tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34717154153365207912024-03-11T09:30:27.079-04:00Nicole Forrester - The Olympian BlogA journey in my world as I prepare for London 2012, balancing my PhD studies and this thing called life...Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.comBlogger286125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-51538355784133551042012-02-19T19:48:00.000-05:002012-12-25T01:18:06.190-05:00BLOG has Moved<div class="post-content">
So I know my blogs have been Missing In Action lately, contrary to my regular blogging regime. The disruption in blogging was due in part to 2 computers that had suddenly died, as well as the merging of my blog to my website, while also having my “NEW” website reconstructed.<br />
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If you're looking for my recent blogs, they've moved to http://nicoleforrester.com/home-page/blogs<br />
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The website is still under construction, but, the show must go on! So, while I’ve still struggled with finding a replacement computer (a VERY long story) and my website is still under construction, the idle-some thoughts in my mind will continue, serving as study breaks…. Hope you enjoy them!<br />
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<a href="http://nicoleforrester.com/home-page/blogs" target="_blank">Girl with a blog,Nicole</a></div>
Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-42425074026158279872012-01-08T21:51:00.000-05:002012-01-08T21:51:44.655-05:00BLOG ON HIATUS.... for a few more daysHi All!<br />
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First off, thanks for stopping by to see what meandering thoughts I've been blogging on. While I typically blog 3 times a week, over the last few weeks my blog and website have been undergoing a reconstruction. As such, my blogs are on hold while this is going on. Please check back in a weeks time, when my new blog and website is scheduled to be launched.<br />
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Your random thoughts blogger,<br />
NicoleNicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-58190534273478526692012-01-01T12:36:00.001-05:002012-01-15T16:11:21.504-05:002012: It's a Beautiful Day!<strong style="font-weight: bold;"> </strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we usher in this new year... a big year at that, one song seems to resound loudly of what this New Year means, "It's a Beautiful Day" by U2. A new year brings with it dreams, an opportunity to start clean, and really a time to start doing the things you always wanted. Remember it's never too late to have the kind of life you've always dreamed of, AND <i>now</i> has never been too soon. I dare you to take 2012 and make it your year. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>is</i></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> a beautiful day.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I truly wish for you an amazing 2012. Happy New Year!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>It's a Beautiful Day, by U2</u></b></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/co6WMzDOh1o" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The heart is a bloom </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shoots up through the stony ground </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's no room </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No space to rent in this town </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You're out of luck </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the reason that you had to care </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The traffic is stuck </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And you're not moving anywhere </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You thought you'd found a friend </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To take you out of this place </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Someone you could lend a hand </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In return for grace </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a beautiful day </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sky falls, you feel like </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a beautiful day </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't let it get away </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You're on the road </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But you've got no destination </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You're in the mud </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the maze of her imagination </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You love this town </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even if that doesn't ring true </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You've been all over </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And it's been all over you </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a beautiful day </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't let it get away </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a beautiful day </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Touch me </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take me to that other place </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teach me </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know I'm not a hopeless case </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See the world in green and blue </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See China right in front of you </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See the canyons broken by cloud </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See the Bedouin fires at night </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See the oil fields at first light </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And see the bird with a leaf in her mouth </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the flood all the colors came out </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a beautiful day </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't let it get away </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beautiful day </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Touch me </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take me to that other place </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reach me </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know I'm not a hopeless case </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you don't have you don't need it now </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you don't know you can feel it somehow </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you don't have you don't need it now </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't need it now </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Was a beautiful day</span></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-62512260696066392362011-12-23T00:24:00.000-05:002012-01-15T16:20:04.511-05:00Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Christmas is forever, not for just one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself...<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas time is by far my FAVOURITE time of the year. It is the season of giving, being with family, and it is also associated with greater incidences of random acts of kindness. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.catholicsource.net/rosary/nativity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.catholicsource.net/rosary/nativity.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a>Of course I am a Christian, so my true love for Christmas originates there. So, while some people like to say “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings,” I prefer to stay true to what this time of year is all about as I exclaim <b><i>“Merry Christmas!” </i></b>I feel there should be no shame in saying Merry Christmas. I mean, we don’t traditionally say Happy Holidays during Thanksgiving, or Canada Day or on Labour Day, so why should I say that for Christmas. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And while I am a Christian, I still will take time to wish those who are Jewish, Happy Hanukah and so on for friends of other faiths throughout the year Where has this need to be politically correct (Happy Holiday) for Christmas come? Isn’t it because of Christmas that a holiday exists in the first place, as well as the birth of Santa? I don’t believe saying Merry Christmas requires the recipient to be a Christian; but, rather to be welcoming of the spirit of giving, for after all isn’t that what Christmas is all about? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And on that note, in the spirit of giving, practicing random acts is never a bad idea. You don’t have to spend a ton of money; you can give your time, hold a door open for a stranger, or spread the contagious <a href="http://www.nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/2011/12/power-of-smile.html" target="_blank">gift of a smile</a>. You never know how much you might change the course of someone’s life by these simple acts. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Likewise, we should take time to reflect on the goodness, as well as the amazing people we have in our lives. This is truly a perfect time to let people know how much they mean to us. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So whether you are a Christian or not I say to you Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! I truly wish the best for you and yours,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nicole</div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-11619989760281605642011-12-18T07:30:00.000-05:002012-01-15T16:11:21.504-05:00The Christmas Song -- Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire... (Nat King Cole)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is certainly my FAVOURITE Christmas song... And no other version is sweeter than <a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/2010/11/mondays-music-lyrics-nature-boy-by-nat.html">Nat King Cole's</a>. I can't deny that outside the holiday season and even during the summer months I'll still listen to this song. There is certainly a romantic element to it, with <a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/2010/11/mondays-music-lyrics-nature-boy-by-nat.html">Nat's unique voice and style</a>. But, the song also paints the picture of an ideal Christmas scene. Oh,how I enjoy Christmas!!! And as we enter the week of Christmas, and as it is spoken so elequently in this song, I leave you with "Although it's been said many times, many ways - Merry Christmas to you!" I wish you and your family all the love and enjoyment this holiday season can bring!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">The Christmas Song -- Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire...</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (written by vocalist Mel Tormé and Bob Wells)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iSous9e_CI4?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iSous9e_CI4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chestnuts roasting on an open fire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jack Frost nipping at your nose</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And folks dressed up like Eskimos.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everybody knows a turkey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and some mistletoe</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Help to make the season bright</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Will find it hard to sleep tonight.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They know that Santa's on his way</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He's loaded lots of toys</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and goodies on his sleigh</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And every mother's child is gonna spy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To see if reindeer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">really know how to fly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so I'm offering this simple phrase</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To kids from one to ninety-two</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although it's been said</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">many times, many ways</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Merry Christmas to you.</span>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-25928116569786745772011-12-11T10:29:00.000-05:002012-01-15T16:20:04.512-05:00PROMISE YOURSELF<div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSK6XyvSud33Comvity9RIPgIv20ySwhZp-7OHZtIrO-cuOa3br" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSK6XyvSud33Comvity9RIPgIv20ySwhZp-7OHZtIrO-cuOa3br" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Promise yourself to be strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. <o:p> </o:p>To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~ By Christian D. Larson</span></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-17131395639834469642011-12-09T07:30:00.012-05:002012-01-15T16:20:04.512-05:00The Power of a Smile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrub_k0-svI_4spZJ2OcGxlY3iHNW-vo7jDhb88SwH7VI4smWUBwzs5zPa43eEIpcRZQ2aD6n7iBmHhMa4uRsYZIQDX0qky6-JjgIQ3msz5IKyGF9rgM1gGaRBjdQWySzNj0MvfSCoMK3D/s1600/Nicole+Wendy+Forrester.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrub_k0-svI_4spZJ2OcGxlY3iHNW-vo7jDhb88SwH7VI4smWUBwzs5zPa43eEIpcRZQ2aD6n7iBmHhMa4uRsYZIQDX0qky6-JjgIQ3msz5IKyGF9rgM1gGaRBjdQWySzNj0MvfSCoMK3D/s200/Nicole+Wendy+Forrester.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friend and I like to play a game. Often while working away on our studies at a coffee shop, we’ll stare outside the window at passers-by and wait for their glance to meet our eyes. Just at that moment we’ll surprise them with a big smile. While they might look a little bemused, it never fails; they inevitably catch the smile disease, and smile right back at us.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The power of a smile should never be underestimated. It is the language of happiness. It really costs nothing, it </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/01/happiness-long-life-_n_1068209.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_hplink">extends your life expectancy</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and elevates your mood, which</span><a href="http://youtu.be/U9cGdRNMdQQ" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_hplink"> provides a wide host of positive kickbacks (such as, reduction of blood pressure and stress induced hormones)</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Most importantly it is seriously contagious. </span><em style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that’s something worth catching!</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It is an expression universally spoken and understood across various cultures. In fact, it may be the first language a baby learns.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5imaaygtNDlvZoVFcAC3ZNVNYasmdwPzmff2avplTfUckqxEri5MVhC7ydaU8pB-52NGSslDGv6AKOwziY9fu_BLAi81-5jeDJJkxJxaXAqUIVXO-lU2wD6BB_QF7f1bfgSHHe2gxz9se/s1600/happiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5imaaygtNDlvZoVFcAC3ZNVNYasmdwPzmff2avplTfUckqxEri5MVhC7ydaU8pB-52NGSslDGv6AKOwziY9fu_BLAi81-5jeDJJkxJxaXAqUIVXO-lU2wD6BB_QF7f1bfgSHHe2gxz9se/s320/happiness.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not surprisingly, some <a href="http://youtu.be/U9cGdRNMdQQ" target="_hplink">researchers have found smiling to be positively associated with emotional experience, memory and cognition</a>. In the famous <a href="https://www.healthstudies.umn.edu/nunstudy/" target="_hplink">Nun Study</a>, researchers Deborah Danner, David Snowdon, and Wallace Friesen, at the University of Kentucky, looked at the autobiographies written by nuns entering the convent in early adulthood. <a href="http://pdfcast.org/pdf/positive-emotions-in-early-life-and-longevity-findings-from-the-nun-study" target="_hplink">They found the nuns with positive emotional content autobiographies were strongly associated with longevity 6 decades later</a>. Snowdon has conducted additional studies (now at the University of Minnesota) looking at the brains of nuns when they die. Remarkably, he’s found that <a href="http://www.annals.org/content/139/5_Part_2/450" target="_hplink">while many were functioning normal, a significant amount of them actually had full blown Alzheimer’s disease</a>, despite not showing any symptoms. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is something about a smile that makes us feel better and also those around us. Think about your day to day experiences, and how service with a smile changes your perception of your waitress, doctor, or bank clerk. Likewise, have you ever noticed that smiling also has the ability to make someone appear instantly more attractive? It has also been found to make <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/11/10/smiling-makes-you-look-two-years-younger_n_1085672.html?just_reloaded=1" target="_hplink">women look 3 years younger in age</a>. Who needs anti-aging cream or botox when all you have to do is smile? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And sure there may be <a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/2011/12/sundays-lyrics-smile-d.html" target="_blank">times when you don’t feel like smiling</a>, but those are the times that you should smile most. It may feel unauthentic at first, but leave that smile on your face for a solid minute and I guarantee you’ll start to feel better. You can even spice it up with some laughter, and now we’re talking about a smile that you feel through your soul!</span><br />
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</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, go ahead start spreading something worth catching. Smile! It looks good on you!</span></span><br />
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smiling broadly,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nicole</span></span></span>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-24955061117063914492011-12-05T07:30:00.014-05:002012-01-15T16:20:47.576-05:00Social Media: An Epidemic of Narcissism - Achtung!<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.cuteculturechick.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/social-media-venn.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://www.cuteculturechick.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/social-media-venn.png" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the advent of Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, youtube, Linkedin, and blogging, we have entered the dawn of a new era. Social media: providing outlets for self promotion, repeated 5 minutes of fame and pure self indulgence. As a social media junkie, </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> by no means count myself out of this disease.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS7IOEWkQrqBFLQzwq8FDGPdxkctBgYVaE24p9oK2FyAu20hcGFqA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS7IOEWkQrqBFLQzwq8FDGPdxkctBgYVaE24p9oK2FyAu20hcGFqA" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am guilty of being fully immersed in the world of social media. From a personal <a href="http://www.nicoleforrester.com/" target="_blank">website</a> to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/canadajumper" target="_blank">youtube</a> to a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NicoleForresterOlympian" target="_blank">facebook page</a>, I am there! However, this wasn’t always the case. In fairness, my social media engagement was precipitated by a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_823192600">stripper named Nicole Forrester wh</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/05/stripper-nicole-forrester_n_346625.html" target="_blank">o claimed to have slept with Josh Duhamel</a>. In an effort to ensure I was not confused with this person I came out of hiding and entered the world of <a href="http://www.twitter.com/nicoleforrester" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, Facebook and wherever else I could claim the name Nicole Forrester. I’ve now become a regular tweeter and social media junkie during my study and training breaks. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The problem with social media is it’s pretty narcissistic. The various social media channels seem to beckon for an update of: W<i>hat’s going on? Where you have been? What you saw? </i>and <i>Who you were with?</i> With a click of the “send” button photos and self-promotion statements are loaded up. But, what is the motivation. Are we genuinely sharing? Or is this our centre stage? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.kickoff.net.au/images/narcissism-and-preaching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.kickoff.net.au/images/narcissism-and-preaching.jpg" width="175" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are each hard wired with the desire to feel relevant. Everyone wants to feel like they matter and are important. Social media provides this outlet, but also promotes being self-absorbed. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As someone who studies sports psychology, I can’t help feeling that social media can be detrimental to athletic performances, if not used properly. I believe the promotion of narcissism encourages a proclivity of striving for favourable evaluation by others. This may be a recipe for distraction if these evaluations unknowingly become a priority. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s a double edged sword, especially if you are in the media eye. Supporters/fans feel like they have a personal connection to you as you respond to there @ or Facebook wall posts. And if you are an athlete your performances may be bolstered by this genuine support. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But on the other hand, all of a sudden athletes who may be striving for victory and fail, now have 10,000 twitter followers wanting to know <b><i>what happened?</i></b> Sometimes an athlete hasn't even had time to digest what just happened and they are already hurriedly providing a reason or an excuse to their awaiting "followers." London 2012 should be interesting, because Twitter, which was not popular in 2008, has a new presence in the lives of athletes. </span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoHmwcXr5YazuESofzLvX00GinfQ-2TKtQQZsJZsa42nFdgbvIZ4dpbQ1OpNTxQWfOe-z0zEAukgU-zPcAuTSkHcGbEDu2B-3jduI37a3at8k2A8pPd5KVUD7Lec6mC8IfSmB3K-Vjnlx/s1600/narcissim+facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoHmwcXr5YazuESofzLvX00GinfQ-2TKtQQZsJZsa42nFdgbvIZ4dpbQ1OpNTxQWfOe-z0zEAukgU-zPcAuTSkHcGbEDu2B-3jduI37a3at8k2A8pPd5KVUD7Lec6mC8IfSmB3K-Vjnlx/s200/narcissim+facebook.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I use to enjoy updating what <i>Nicole is doing</i> via Facebook/Twitter. However, with enough time and becoming a social media veteran, I’m learning that narcissism is boring and a little repulsive. As I watched in disgust one friend desperately trying to be the Facebook version of Paris Hilton - <b>famous for no reason, <i>or at least providing the illusion of importance</i> - </b>I turned the mirror on myself and thought "God, I definitely don't want to be that way." So, I did a cleanse, and began to be more deliberate in how I use social media. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have found I’d rather find out what people think, share my babbling blog thoughts, and hopefully inspire or challenge someone’s way of thinking. And I want to follow people who likewise inspire me, make me laugh or are informative… rather than the Paris Hilton's desperately dying to be famous.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And it is hard, especially when you have fans who genuinely want to feel connected to you. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I do try to provide some insight into my life, but by and large I’d rather make people think.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sure I might slip up with squelching my narcissistic social media activity, but by no means will I allow my activities to be as self-indulgent as they once were. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just Saying“No” to Narcissism,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nicole</span></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-52639586264283968212011-12-04T11:42:00.001-05:002012-01-15T16:11:21.505-05:00Sunday's Lyrics: SMILE :D<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday’s Lyrics</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we head into cold and flu season, there is one thing that is contagious and always worth catching…. A smile…. And if you don’t feel like smiling, that’s when you need to really, really smile. Fake it until you make it… That’s right force yourself to smile for a minute or two and I guarantee you’ll start feeling better. Never underestimate the power of a smile! <b><i>(Stay tuned, this week I'll show you why a smile is powerful!)</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PS: It looks good on you ;)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>SMILE - Nat King Cole</u></b></span></o:p><br />
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</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/A9wA-bOBHuA" width="560"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smile though your heart is aching <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smile even though it's breaking <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you smile through your fear and sorrow <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smile and maybe tomorrow <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll see the sun come shining through for you <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Light up your face with gladness <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hide every trace of sadness <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although a tear may be ever so near <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's the time you must keep on trying <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smile, what's the use of crying? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll find that life is still worthwhile <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you just smile <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's the time you must keep on trying <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smile, what's the use of crying? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll find that life is still worthwhile <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you just smile</span></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-91883742046517013242011-11-30T10:26:00.003-05:002012-01-15T16:20:04.513-05:00Beating Cancer: Kyle's Story<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although, I usually take </span><a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/search/label/Wednesday%27s%20RELATIONSHIP%20CORNER" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Wednesday’s to post my non-expert relationship corner advice</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, I’d much rather share a story of courage today.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.kylemiller35.com/Win.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://www.kylemiller35.com/Win.gif" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kylemiller35.com/" target="_blank">Kyle Miller</a> is a World Champion Lacrosse goalie for </span><st1:country-region style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada and possibly one of the nicest persons you'll ever meet. I</st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> met Kyle in 2009 when he signed up to do the <a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/2011/10/canadian-athletes-and-our-minister-of.html" target="_blank">CN Tower Stairclimb</a> with me. He had been one of the athletes to raise the most money, rallying support from his family and friends who knew that climbing those stairs signified a lot given what he had overcome. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 2003 he was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma, the same cancer Terry Fox had, and beat it! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year when I asked Kyle if he would brave the 1,776 steps again, he was one of the first athletes to say yes. However, shortly thereafter he informed me he would not be able to participate due to some health issues. Little did I know the extent of the battle that lay ahead for Kyle.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After 8 years and 34 days the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Osteogenic Sarcoma</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> has returned in his lung.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think any of us with such news would be deflated, but not Kyle.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has approached his Round 2 battle with cancer with tenacity and an indomitable spirit.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has undergone numerous chemotherapy treatments and is now turning to advanced measures, since the tumor hasn’t seemed to change in size yet.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ve been following along reading <a href="http://www.kylemiller35.com/blog.html" target="_blank">his blog</a>, feeling inspired by the courage and optimism Kyle and Vanessa (Kyle’s girlfriend) are demonstrating. Every step of this journey they have openly shared with detail. They are <a href="http://www.kylemiller35.com/blog.html?entry=like-a-solider-going-to" target="_blank">showing what fighting cancer looks like</a> – step by step – from undergoing chemotherapy, to his search for a hat (with the loss of his hair) his prognosis and other treatment considerations, as well as his diagnosis of Stage 4 Osteogenic Spindle Cell Sarcoma. It is REAL and honest! It’s no surprise, that Kyle is also a motivational speaker. After Kyle defeats this Osteogenic Sarcoma I will eagerly await his Bestseller book of inspiration.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For the meantime I’d really encourage you to check our <a href="http://www.kylemiller35.com/blog.html" target="_blank">Kyle and Vanessa’s blog.</a> </span>It will change your life… And also please keep Kyle in your prayers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Supporting from the Sidelines,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nicole</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/D0ng-ndi6qs" width="480"></iframe></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-72140992768660964392011-11-27T07:00:00.002-05:002012-01-15T16:11:50.735-05:00BELIEVE!<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With exactly 8 months left until the start of the Olympic Games, and 7 months until we name our official Athletics team for <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">Canada</country-region></place>, this song speaks to my core. I am reminded by a statement my friend <a href="http://www.richardhortness.com/">Richard Hortness</a> made the other day… “With ~6.675 billion people in the world, the odds of being an Olympic athlete are 636,000 to 1...but to win an Olympic gold medal, those odds jump to 22,000,000 to 1.” I have 8 months left to try to beat the odds!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span></span><br />
<h1 id="watch-headline-title" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1.83em; font-weight: bold; height: 1.13em; line-height: 1.13em; margin: 0px 0px 5px; max-height: 1.13em; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span dir="ltr" id="eow-title" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Suzie McNeil - Believe - Olympic Inspired Version">Believe by </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 25px;">Suzie McNeil</span></h1></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One minute's fading</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One minute's past</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I've got this moment</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To make it all last</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm standing before you</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taking my chance on</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everything I never thought that I could be</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cuz you can do almost anything</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you just believe</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can move mountains with dreams</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The higher you climb</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The better it gets</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cuz you will see things</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll never forget</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you just believe</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's like I'm falling through my own fears</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They used to haunt me, but now they're not here</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's no looking back, my future is clear</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No giving up</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I'm holding on when it gets rough</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cuz you can get through most anything</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you just believe</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can move mountains with dreams</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The higher you climb</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The better it gets</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cuz you will see things</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll never forget</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you just believe</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No one says it's easy</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And no one says you have to be perfect</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But as long as you try</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You're always gonna find</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was worth it</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you just believe</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can move mountains with dreams</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The higher you climb</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The better it gets</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cuz you will see things</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll never forget</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you just believe</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can move mountains with dreams</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you just believe</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can move mountains with dreams</span></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-41270223083857281132011-11-23T07:30:00.028-05:002011-11-23T17:18:48.525-05:00You Had Her at Hello... and then Lost Her!<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday's Relationship Corner (has posted on the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/nicole-forrester/dating-advice_b_1107519.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#undefined">Huffington Post</a>)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you could have designed the girl of your dreams, she would be it in every way and more. She is perfection and of all people she seems to be interested in <b><i>YOU!</i></b> Could this be a dream? Honestly, you would have thought that this girl would be <b><a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/2011/04/relationship-corner-how-to-date-someone.html">out of your league</a></b>. So, you decide to man up and do the unthinkable - ask her out on a date! (Sacrilege!!!) To your amazement she says yes and you go out and enjoy yourself. But, the dream ends there. You don’t hear from her. She doesn’t follow-up. She’s elusively “busy” and doesn’t return your texts or phone calls for days, if ever. You my dear male compatriot have been <b><a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/2011/01/relationships-power-of-poof-be-gone.html">Poofed! (Be Gone!)</a></b>… also known as loss of interest. So, what happened? What in 24 hours could make this girl go from “seeming to be into you” to treating you like a plague? Here are four cardinal things that can be a repellent to any women.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://stever.ca/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/too-cool-for-cuil1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://stever.ca/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/too-cool-for-cuil1.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just as dogs can smell fear, women have been programmed to sense a man “lacking confidence.” Lacking confidence translates into trying too hard, which can also be confused with the <b><a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/2011/03/relationships-stench-of-desperation.html">stench of desperation.</a> </b> The appearance of “trying too hard” can be seen when a man tries to impress a woman with what he does, who he knows or by being way too eager or fake. Always, the best thing you can be is YOURSELF. If a girl is willing to spend time with you, she has probably evaluated your pros and cons, which means she’s assessed your superficial flaws and is okay with it. In fact, she might think you are perfect just as you are – flaws and all!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Not Trying Hard Enough<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This can be deadly especially if your girl has a hint of being a little old fashioned. Although the women’s movement has thankfully made it more common for women to be assertive, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jessica-massa/why-everything-you-believ_b_603208.html">women have also been conditioned to believe that men like thechase</a>. A girl who chases a man runs the risk of losing his interest or appearing delusional as she pursues a guy who is “just not that into her.” However, a man who pursues a woman is endearing (as long as he’s not creepy about it). <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/11/21/whatwomenwant-twitter-trends_n_1105165.html">That means picking up the phone tocall her, and not relying on texting as your primary means of communication; reallytaking the time to get to know her; and showing a genuine interest in whatshe’s about.</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a 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imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" 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width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Mr. Socially Awkward<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is another killer. You can be the best guy out there (and in case you didn’t know <b><a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/2011/06/face-off-good-guy-vs-bad-guy.html">Good Guys</a></b> are the latest fashion trend) but if you are socially inept, you are fighting a losing battle. If this is you, my suggestion is to enroll in a <b>Dale Carnegie</b> class ASAP to work on effective communication. Charismatic guys are attractive because of their ability to fit in to any situation. Being socially awkward can read as a man uncomfortable in his own skin and insecure. Definitely not the signal you want to send out. (That’s like being Pepé Le Pew and trying to attract a cat with his skunk odour.) A good way to get around this is to ask her questions about herself, tell stories with enthusiasm, and learn to laugh and smile. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTdMz9OhtsSLjQOS4agCLW_AV2ZMcnhrBwT6t0KS_x8z-PKmT0xuA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTdMz9OhtsSLjQOS4agCLW_AV2ZMcnhrBwT6t0KS_x8z-PKmT0xuA" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Loserville<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m not sure I can help you with this. You might be in need of a make over or maybe for the right girl (willing to tolerate you) to come along. (And that could be a long wait.) Wondering if this is you, here are some clues. If you are like a rain cloud when you enter a room and people scatter like cockroaches do when the lights are turned on, then this is you. Being rude, inconsiderate and trying to be funny when you really aren’t are also actions that can condemn you to Loserville. Also, for better or worse your reputation can precede you. Even though you’re not in high school anymore, being uncool or not a good person can make you unpopular. A quick google/facebook/twitter/myspace of your name can unleash ghosts from the past, so don’t put anything out there if it doesn’t represents you!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your relationship non-expert,</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nicole </span>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-81138031379876800232011-11-22T00:00:00.005-05:002012-01-15T16:21:30.195-05:00Getting Intimate…. With My (Research Data) Analysis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcEEBH-zpf-qKvRvwgOd0v-BShJFb3V1z0fmR3pOcEXGo98tK4udXBgQI2WYYSHN8qgmH35oB7VirWQE6Wp_U79r-b7_gjAdv7Yi-okoJ1da5h1MeXda6TzFwaxn3rGgmb0eIDxZcUfOi/s1600/online_dating_regular_dating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcEEBH-zpf-qKvRvwgOd0v-BShJFb3V1z0fmR3pOcEXGo98tK4udXBgQI2WYYSHN8qgmH35oB7VirWQE6Wp_U79r-b7_gjAdv7Yi-okoJ1da5h1MeXda6TzFwaxn3rGgmb0eIDxZcUfOi/s200/online_dating_regular_dating.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meet my Lover</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every morning I roll out of bed and there he greets me at my kitchen table. He’s with me all morning long and sees me off to practice in the afternoon. While training I must confess that he has left my mind, and really the only thing I am thinking of is my athletic task at hand. But, as soon as I’ve finished my cool down and chugged down my post work-out recovery drink and meal, I rush off to meet him – still in my sweats and hair in a ponytail. But, he doesn’t care how I look; he’s just relieved to see me and I him. This is true love! <o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our relationship has progressed so much, I can just about recite everything he’s ever said. I have transcribed all that he has said and committed it to memory by virtue of our frequent encounter. Recently our time spent together is only a deeper exploration of his deeper meaning… What is it he is exactly trying to tell me? <b>“He” is my dissertation data, also known to my <a href="http://www.twitter.com/nicoleforrester">twitter</a> followers as Mr. Dissertation.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lately, I’m frequently asked how my dissertation is coming along. And likewise I often stop to ask myself the same question. Indeed, I thought I would be done by now, but in all fairness I’ve had to be realistic. I’m not just a student; I’m also a professional athlete that is preparing for another Olympic Games. My day consists of waking up and working on my dissertation, going to practice and training like a woman possessed, only to return home from training to work on my dissertation some more. Between my academics and athletics I tally up about 90 hours of work per week. I don’t know the concept of a vacation or free-time. I’m beyond intrigued with what I might do or accomplish next year when I’ve retired from track and have dually completed school. I could essentially be employed full-time at two jobs! (And knowing my desire to be busy I might be crazy enough to do that…lol)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgP13fup6XA_g7YCg5g-NH4ddCj8BFje7ERj5Umx3nL0WkQiEv9GS0MLZBu_ZVGkC2DbyFo8HhEi_X9yD_itnsNGCKlWsoxLwb1HhSMzXjuFadfO4WGK5KHdY5C73mekfFs8lQGCz8veaE/s1600/qualitative+analysis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgP13fup6XA_g7YCg5g-NH4ddCj8BFje7ERj5Umx3nL0WkQiEv9GS0MLZBu_ZVGkC2DbyFo8HhEi_X9yD_itnsNGCKlWsoxLwb1HhSMzXjuFadfO4WGK5KHdY5C73mekfFs8lQGCz8veaE/s200/qualitative+analysis.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What is Qualitative Data?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Concerning my dissertation, I am in the process of qualitative data analysis. I’ve been so entrenched in my data analysis that I’m sure my absence has made my advisor, Dr. Feltz wonder what has happened to me. It is a laborious process. Essentially, qualitative research attempts to explain the reasons for a given human behavior by conducting an in-depth analysis (usually by interviews or field observation). Because of the nature of these studies, the sample size typically is smaller and analysis can run easily 3 times longer than quantitative data.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ironically, my academic experience and background is rooted in quantitative analysis, with my first area of specialization being exercise physiology and biomechanics. Funny enough, I grew up with calculus and physics as my favourite subjects! Like George Orwell’s book title, the world of qualitative data analysis is a “New World Order” to me, and I find myself intrigued by it and loving it! It is a more tedious process, but provides rich data that numbers can’t always provide. As such, the process of data analysis involves taking an interview and transcribing it verbatim - a process that can take 4 to 6 hours to transcribe per hour of an interview. <o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHaBkJbnh7pvMQSPV5Qa6BMcCfF-vNu8DpY5Q8V4ZwduT7ruIcrzOZekqkWulhzp0pSCaAQ9dJwzWfSfOTm3lqPnxPvWHDTJZS1OKo1yG5qZ1RS7KkOQjRP3uEDStighKbBTWFgrw4eDb/s1600/lab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHaBkJbnh7pvMQSPV5Qa6BMcCfF-vNu8DpY5Q8V4ZwduT7ruIcrzOZekqkWulhzp0pSCaAQ9dJwzWfSfOTm3lqPnxPvWHDTJZS1OKo1yG5qZ1RS7KkOQjRP3uEDStighKbBTWFgrw4eDb/s200/lab.jpg" width="170" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Explaining Qualitative Analysis <i>(Simplified)</i></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once, you have your transcribe and you’ve reviewed it with the audio again, coding comes into place. Simplified, coding is essentially reading, re-reading, comparing, and re-re-reading your data and finding central themes. This process can make your eyes feel like they are going cross-eyed. It’s best to do this in chunks with planned breaks, otherwise you will learn quickly what mental fatigue means and the quality of your analysis will be compromised. Once you’ve sufficiently completed this process you need someone else to validate the reliability of your analysis, which in the world of research is referred to as inter-rater reliability. This process of coding is cyclical, where sometimes the end in sight might feel like a hallway in the movie “The Shinning” – it never ends. But, I’m told many people have survived this process.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once this process is done, you begin to put it all together. In my case, I reveal in my Chapter 4 of my dissertation the results and what it all means! (Dissertation Chapters: Chapter 1 – Introduction, Chapter 2 – Literature Review, Chapter 3 – Methods, Chapter 4 – Results & Discussion, Chapter 5 – Limitations).</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpur4zujbkmmc1BRfETAfUwLDyeSzp59sa_61PGIMUBgRqNZHuQMAZa0CUzDvuuf8AoqffuarnQdoyONVIL715vBPHH9hNQ_Fp7gb0BFR4OZzbh93c_DKzDxEaNAVSZa1M7Q2uJbMRPgX/s1600/cwg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpur4zujbkmmc1BRfETAfUwLDyeSzp59sa_61PGIMUBgRqNZHuQMAZa0CUzDvuuf8AoqffuarnQdoyONVIL715vBPHH9hNQ_Fp7gb0BFR4OZzbh93c_DKzDxEaNAVSZa1M7Q2uJbMRPgX/s200/cwg.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>But in the End</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I must confess that despite my whining of the data analysis process, I’m actually enjoying it. I’ve had the rare opportunity to interview some of the best athletes in the world, spanning various countries, who have done what many dream to do and few have accomplished – to go from Good to Great. Tracking these athletes down was a task in itself, but the challenge is proving to be well worth it and fruitful. At times as I’ve found myself hanging onto every word they are saying. It’s been an incredible and blessed experience for me, both as a researcher and an athlete. The researcher side of me is extremely curious, while the athlete side of me hopes to emulate what they have done….<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Still Coding,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nicole</span></div></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-61551788437982357152011-11-20T07:00:00.000-05:002012-01-15T16:11:21.506-05:00Life = Risk<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I truly believe one of the greatest tragedies of mankind is our own limited thoughts and view of our potential.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The great researcher Maslow theorized that only two percent of the world will achieve self-actualization!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If there seems to be a theme in my blogs it is that we are each as great or as small as we think we are, and the very best that life has to offer is there for our taking! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The path to success is never easy, but isn’t it the journey anyways which makes us truly savour our accomplishments? It doesn’t matter where we are when we start it’s about where we are going. And while the journey may be long, it is a race against our own potential and not the achievements of others. Failures are inevitable. But, as Oliver Goldsmith once said “Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most importantly, we should never let anyone assign a number or boundary to what is possible of our own potential. For then you’ve definitely given up. Some of the greatest achievements in history (e.g., The Airplane – Wright Brothers, Wilma Rudolph, Hellen Keller, discovery of insulin to treat diabetes – Banton & Best) have come when people were told they could not do it!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dare to be amazing! This short clip for today’s Sunday’s Lyrics is dedicated to that relentless pursuit for greatness!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0yetHqWODp0" width="480"></iframe></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Script -</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Dismissed from drama school with a note that read, "Wasting your time. She's too shy to put her best foot forward.” – Lucille Ball<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Turned down by the Decca recording company who said, "We don't like their sound and guitar music is on the way out." – The Beatles<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>A failed soldier, farmer, and real estate agent. At 38 years old, he went to work for his father as a handyman. – Ulysses S. Grant</b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Cut from the high school basketball team. He went home, locked himself in his room, and cried. – Michael Jordan<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>A teacher told him he was too stupid to learn anything and he should go into a field where he might succeed by virtue of his pleasant personality. – Thomas Edison</b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Fired from a newspaper because he lacked imagination and had no original ideas. – Walt Disney</b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>His fiancée died, he failed in business twice, he had a nervous breakdown, and he was defeated in eight elections. – Abraham Lincoln<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>If you've never failed, you've never lived.</b></i></span></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-23342160692657775492011-11-13T08:34:00.001-05:002012-01-15T16:11:21.506-05:00Invincible<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday's Lyrics</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m not sure I can stress enough that it is never too late… Never too late to be the person you always wanted to be or to live the kind of life you always dreamed you would live. Life is about learning, which also means we are going to make mistakes along the way. Think about it, we each learn something new every day. And when you know better you do better. But, to wallow in the past of “Oh geeze, it’s too late” or “I should have done this,” is to give up. Don’t ever should on yourself! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Invincible by Hedley, speaks of this – despite facing whatever setbacks life might hand us, the ability to pick ourselves back up and feel invincible. Yes, we are as great or insignificant as we see ourselves. Choose to see yourself as great! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Invincible,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nicole</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Invincible, by Hedley</u></b></span></div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ub9RSrVcBvs" width="550"></iframe><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Took a long hard look at my life<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lost my way while I was fighting the time<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A big black cloud, stormy sky<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Followed me, oh I was living a lie <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So heartless, so selfish, so in darkness<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When all your nights are starless<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You're running outta hope <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I found the strength inside to see<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Found the better part of me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I'll never let it go<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've come a long, long way<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Made a lot of mistakes<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I'm breathin’, breathin’<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's right and I mean it, mean it<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time I'm a little run down<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been living out loud<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could beat it, beat it<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's right, cause I'm feelin’, feelin’<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Invincible<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh-whoa<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you're gone for a day [Gone for a day]<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On your own [On your own]<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tear your heart out just to find your way home<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been so high [Been so high]<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've sunk so low [Sunk so low]<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've come so far, with nothing to show for it<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mistaken, I got so good at taking<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But now I'm tired of faking<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This story's getting old<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I found the strength inside to see<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the better part of me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I'll never let it go<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've come a long, long way<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Made a lot of mistakes<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I'm breathin’, breathin’<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's right and I mean it, mean it<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time I'm a little run down<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been living out loud <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could beat it, beat it<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's right, 'cause I'm feelin’, feelin’<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Invincible<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh-whoa<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Invincible<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not the only one<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That crashed into the sun<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And lived to fight another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like a super nova<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That old life is over [Is over, is over]<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm here to stay<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I'm gonna be<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Invincible<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh-whoa<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Invincible<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">[Invincible]<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've come a long, long way<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Made a lot of mistakes<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I'm breathin’, breathin’ [I’m breathing]<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's right and I mean it, mean it [Mean it]<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time I'm a little run down [I’m a little run down]<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been living out loud [Living out loud]<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could beat it, beat it<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's right 'cause I'm feelin’, feelin’<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Invincible<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh-whoa<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Invincible<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh oh oh oh oh-oh<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh-whoa<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Invincible<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-87000045550082820882011-11-11T10:48:00.002-05:002012-01-15T16:20:04.514-05:00Remembrance Day: Lest we forgetNovemember 11... Rememberance Day... Thank you to all those who have served for our country. Your efforts have not and will not be forgotten. For because of you, we've been able to know the Canada we know today and continue to know. Thank you to our troops... words can't say enough!!!<br />
<br />
In Flanders Fields <br />
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) <br />
Canadian Army<br />
<br />
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow <br />
Between the crosses row on row, <br />
That mark our place; and in the sky <br />
The larks, still bravely singing, fly <br />
Scarce heard amid the guns below. <br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1IDXtP8Pk94?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1IDXtP8Pk94?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
We are the Dead. Short days ago <br />
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, <br />
Loved and were loved, and now we lie <br />
In Flanders fields. <br />
<br />
Take up our quarrel with the foe: <br />
To you from failing hands we throw <br />
The torch; be yours to hold it high. <br />
If ye break faith with us who die <br />
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow <br />
In Flanders fields. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPDMK4CKnMj1t0zg-XNkWrr8BZ__wtDtDV0WX8J96pp6Fkntqw1WZyjXDhqCpFV4sgAL1FSJNAifv2sLnhrMhGAblnVZIeUd-hf4W3IXnnkylWOW9N8lpZwbkuvCIDwEtMtRdrCh7wM_H/s1600/in-flanders-field-copy-of-original-signed-001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538144750573160450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPDMK4CKnMj1t0zg-XNkWrr8BZ__wtDtDV0WX8J96pp6Fkntqw1WZyjXDhqCpFV4sgAL1FSJNAifv2sLnhrMhGAblnVZIeUd-hf4W3IXnnkylWOW9N8lpZwbkuvCIDwEtMtRdrCh7wM_H/s320/in-flanders-field-copy-of-original-signed-001.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 194px;" /></a>Courtesy of Bee MacGuire <br />
Obtained From TheMcCrae Museum of The Guelph MuseumNicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-49753456744348671362011-11-06T07:00:00.000-05:002012-01-15T16:11:50.736-05:00Fields of Gold<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunday%27s%20Lyrics">Sunday's Lyrics</a></b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If anyone knows me, they’ll know that by far <a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/2010/05/monday-music-lyrics-shape-of-my-heart.html">my favourite artist is Sting</a>. I love his work so much, I pretty much own all of his CD’s. I can be in any room and hear a faint chord or melody from one of his songs and it never fails, I will stop what I’m doing, pause, smile and proclaim to whom ever I’m with how much I love Sting, and maybe the meaning of the song being played. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fields of Gold might possibly be my favourite song by Sting, in his solo career. The acoustics in this song is incredible as are the lyrics. <i>(It’s no surprise that he is a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.)</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fields of Gold is a song about a commitment to love… From finding love, treasuring it and committing to a lifetime of it. This love leads to marriage, family and to eternity – embodying the committed vows of till “death do we part.” Yet, even in death, this love still goes on and is remembered. It’s a simple song, but powerful and beautiful. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I present to you Field’s of Gold… </span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Fields of Gold by Sting</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KLVq0IAzh1A" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll remember me when the west wind moves</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Upon the fields of barley<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we walk in the fields of gold<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So she took her love<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For to gaze awhile<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Upon the fields of barley<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In his arms she fell as her hair came down<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Among the fields of gold<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Will you stay with me, will you be my love<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Among the fields of barley<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we lie in the fields of gold<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See the west wind move like a lover so<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Upon the fields of barley<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Among the fields of gold<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I never made promises lightly<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And there have been some that I've broken<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I swear in the days still left<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'll walk in the fields of gold<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'll walk in the fields of gold<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many years have passed since those summer days<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Among the fields of barley<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See the children run as the sun goes down<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Among the fields of gold<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll remember me when the west wind moves<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Upon the fields of barley<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can tell the sun in his jealous sky<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we walked in the fields of gold<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we walked in the fields of gold<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we walked in the fields of gold</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-91719194113841837422011-11-03T12:49:00.005-04:002012-01-15T16:21:30.196-05:00Uninvited to Queen's Park: Who IS Ontario's Minister of Sport??? - ACHTUNG!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0se4_LA8MgNmeBx73cg3b9Wym0_xf4W5ADk5h0y8NekSrcuuhvTAv-e3huhBka7JzizzF4WJiOKQ_YRseQ8O7TxFrxYMVgnoJ-z9aH28G_0tCARoRUR9Qg-Jkpmek9O0R_XxHk-DdspH/s1600/youth+sports.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0se4_LA8MgNmeBx73cg3b9Wym0_xf4W5ADk5h0y8NekSrcuuhvTAv-e3huhBka7JzizzF4WJiOKQ_YRseQ8O7TxFrxYMVgnoJ-z9aH28G_0tCARoRUR9Qg-Jkpmek9O0R_XxHk-DdspH/s200/youth+sports.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On October 20, 2011 Ontario's <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/10/20/ndp-disappointed-with-lack-of-change-dalton-mcguinty-unveils-new-ontario-cabiner_n_1021877.html" target="_hplink">Premier Dalton McGuinty unveiled his new cabinet</a> and no Minister responsible for sport was named. <a href="http://www.ontariovolleyball.org/notice-board-mainmenu-184/ova-news-mainmenu-212/2989-the-ministry-of-health-promotion-and-sport-is-no-longer-.html" target="_hplink">The Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport has disappeared,</a> vanished into thin air and has returned to a title of just Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. <i>(I guess it's more important to be symptomatic when it comes to health, instead of preventive.) </i> In fact, there is no one responsible for sports.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Sport is essentially an orphan in Queens Park. When I questioned McGuinty via twitter, I <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/nicoleforrester">received a text from @LibPressSec</a> stating Deb Matthews is responsible for Health Promotion and Sousa Charles for the Toronto Pan Am 2015, who is actually Ontario's Minister of Citizenship & Immigration. Seems to me Sport is treated as an orphan, clearly split and shared amongst whomever. Why isn't there a Ministry for sport?<br />
<br />
There are two main problems with this. First, Toronto will be hosting the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games, the largest <span class="Apple-style-span">multi-sports Games held in </span><st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span"> since the 1976 </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Montreal</st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span"> Olympics! Secondly and most importantly, we are failing in health when it comes to physical fitness with children in Ontario. In case Mr. McGuinty wasn't paying attention <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/10/14/active-healthy-kids-report-card_n_1011731.html">we just received a D-minus</a> in this department by Active Healthy Kids in Canada. Translated this means we are on the path of even higher healthcare costs. For the first time </span>this may be the <a href="http://www.hoopsforheart.ca/site/c.nlI2IeNWJyE/b.5196973/k.8E1C/About_Hoops.htm">first generation of children who may not outlive their parents</a><span class="Apple-style-span">! Why isn't the Ontario government paying attention?</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissgPCTN-K05KSp47Rm5UskjvXVP5E8s8mTQ6BK6y91w3ICNLAx3LOW0dZmkCEA1dlzViVRIQPEUWCe4T5AstRtECD_dwclslqbrHJp7ug547FQ80S5in97u_zaxrK3Uxas4tNkI4FfxTH/s1600/Canadian+healthcare.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissgPCTN-K05KSp47Rm5UskjvXVP5E8s8mTQ6BK6y91w3ICNLAx3LOW0dZmkCEA1dlzViVRIQPEUWCe4T5AstRtECD_dwclslqbrHJp7ug547FQ80S5in97u_zaxrK3Uxas4tNkI4FfxTH/s1600/Canadian+healthcare.bmp" /></a>As an Olympian, Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist and a member of Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games, Athlete Advisory Council I am quite shocked and disappointed!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You might not be an Olympian or a weekend warrior for that matter, but if you think sports doesn't matter, think again. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/11/01/cancer-death-canada_n_1069232.html?ir=Canada%20Living&icid=maing-grid7%7Ccanada%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk3%7C109252" target="_hplink">The number one cause of death in Canada is lifestyle related</a> (i.e. cancer & heart disease)... Not age related! Considered another way, people are expiring well BEFORE they are intended to and it is preventative! Moreover, we have an epidemic problem of obesity among Canadian children. Our health care is being stretched thin by these demands. Come on Ontario, we have to do better. It's time we as Canadians get proactive instead of symptomatic with our approach to healthcare and the promotion of sports is the way. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's no surprise that the<a href="https://www.oma.org/Resources/Documents/InsightsAndRecommendations.pdf" target="_hplink"> Ontario Medical Association's campaign</a> includes making physical education mandatory throughout high school. Children who are physically active throughout high school are more likely to sustain a life of physical activity, while those who drop out of sports in high school are likely to have a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-MEyy58vJBBtEqU7kMFxKxTirXbi5K2H8raHXK1QNZEpsSlQ4r33br0g1c-dcXyEov_k76PTuM-eAFDwT_8k18oJSEK0klfszzZU51nIbzzYS7G8X1HvKtt9D86LKids54iUgfxzAX8P/s1600/education.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-MEyy58vJBBtEqU7kMFxKxTirXbi5K2H8raHXK1QNZEpsSlQ4r33br0g1c-dcXyEov_k76PTuM-eAFDwT_8k18oJSEK0klfszzZU51nIbzzYS7G8X1HvKtt9D86LKids54iUgfxzAX8P/s200/education.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Likewise, what if I was to tell you that being involved in sports, taught youth transferable skills to academics and that they were more likely to achieve a higher level of education? <a href="http://vancouver.ca/parks/activecommunity/pdf/SportsParticipation.pdf" target="_hplink">Wouldn't it be a worthwhile endeavor to invest in?</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I and other athletes would like our own Ontario Minister of Sport, just like Francophone Affairs, Aboriginal Affairs, Women's Issues and Seniors. Doesn't sport matter in Ontario anymore?</span><br />
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</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Still not convinced? <a href="http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/81-595-m/2008060/s12-eng.htm" target="_hplink">Here is a glimpse at just a few of the benefits that sports offers </a>(beyond the podium).</span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</span></span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prevents healthcare expenditure</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Leads to fewer sick days, reduced turn-over and to increased productivity at work</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Leads to fewer sick days and to increased productivity at school</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A key component to preventing many illnesses and treating diseases</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Improves one's psychological/mental wellness (i.e. depression)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Improves the quality of one's life</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Youth are less likely to engage in risky behavior</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Youth are less likely to join a gang</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Youth are less likely to experience teenage pregnancy</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More likely to be involved in physical activity and adopt a healthy lifestyle for one's entire life if involved in sports during high school </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More likely to adopt a healthy eating habits</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linked to positive educational trajectories </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Makes school a more enjoyable experience</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More likely to achieve higher grades</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More likely to achieve a higher level of education</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teaches transferable skills to academic learning</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Builds character (i.e. perseverance, willingness to take risk, discipline... etc)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Improves memory, observation, problems-solving, decision making, attitude, behaviour, and creativity</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teaches the value of applying effort</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teaches effective goal-setting</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Promotes will power</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Improves self-confidence</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teaches students how to handle failures</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teaches students resiliency</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teaches the pursuit of excellence both on and off the field</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teaches team work</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teaches how to multitask</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teaches how to effectively manage one's time</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teaches discipline</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Teaches how to support others</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Forges friendship</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More likely to engage in citizenship and social responsibility (giving back to the community)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stops wars - <em>(THAT'S PRETTY IMPRESSIVE. What else does that?)</em></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Supports cultural development of a country</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Exposes young athletes to cultures and varying world attitudes</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Appreciates diversity</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Does not discriminate</span></li>
</span></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQajbkhEbkfRJxlWn5731ox40LfuF-afildFdBb6vFLHU57BeUDDjtHUbK49oYFQcuMG2EQ8MYgjx3jCC2gz0qk3uKQNuyOPtWTCx0KuFZUYiwI_7TojkZIK__1lMLWsv_klBojTubQOL/s1600/HealthSports.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQajbkhEbkfRJxlWn5731ox40LfuF-afildFdBb6vFLHU57BeUDDjtHUbK49oYFQcuMG2EQ8MYgjx3jCC2gz0qk3uKQNuyOPtWTCx0KuFZUYiwI_7TojkZIK__1lMLWsv_klBojTubQOL/s200/HealthSports.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Believing in the power of Sports,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nicole Forrester, PhD Candidate</span></span>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-61923971883627743652011-11-02T07:30:00.027-04:002011-11-02T12:01:40.409-04:00Why You Should Never Settle<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/search/label/Wednesday%27s%20RELATIONSHIP%20CORNER">Wednesday's Relationship Corner</a></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEOwkgKrfQZ5jICDOq3fJM-vjJ5l2cfILZH8BrlXQuJi-mXXMSwwufYzZUWKWcfZ-PlcFz_QiDRzJeZOOU_EpohPuDuNzd-p-UWj7QZxUD0KSVgDjyAnZakxqxVe4oY_X-V72EWfiQJv0/s1600/well-out-of-your-league_design.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEOwkgKrfQZ5jICDOq3fJM-vjJ5l2cfILZH8BrlXQuJi-mXXMSwwufYzZUWKWcfZ-PlcFz_QiDRzJeZOOU_EpohPuDuNzd-p-UWj7QZxUD0KSVgDjyAnZakxqxVe4oY_X-V72EWfiQJv0/s200/well-out-of-your-league_design.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once upon a time divorce was taboo, yet somehow we’ve entered a time where it is incredibly common. Now, a marriage lasting 72 days, such as </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/01/kim-kardashian-divorce-blog_n_1070609.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_hplink">Kim Kardashian,</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> or a marriage riddled with infidelity is okay? Maybe that’s why the traditional vows of “Till death do we part,” have been commonly replaced by brides and grooms writing their own vows. (I wonder if people include in their vows, “If this gets too tough I’m leaving”.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While I understand divorce’s may be more complicated then that, and most people don’t enter a marriage planning to divorce some day, it does make me wonder when do we know we are ready for marriage, and are people settling?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ironically, if you are not married or making plans to be married by the age of 30, it is not uncommon for someone to </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/sofi-papamarko/single-girls_b_891604.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_hplink">wonder why you are still single</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> or utter the words “maybe your standards are too high” </span><em style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(possibly from someone on their third marriage)</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. I’m of the belief that no one should ever settle, especially when it comes to marriage. When has settling for anything made someone insanely happy? I believe people should be fair in evaluating what it is what they want, while setting realistic AND satisfying standards that will last a lifetime. Here’s why you should never settle:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m28-aekKMfv6L7qwAl5C8GMZn9VwW5V9vkrWKeMDyhUFGtPAPCOnv7V2XsLI4kdmPv60eyUtu3S9BXySWATYPQ3DKBP1DM6uICI0KbG3nmWocy1a-5YwtjRyLHuxX5_SGdKlKwhyphenhyphenMZQp/s1600/dating+mistakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m28-aekKMfv6L7qwAl5C8GMZn9VwW5V9vkrWKeMDyhUFGtPAPCOnv7V2XsLI4kdmPv60eyUtu3S9BXySWATYPQ3DKBP1DM6uICI0KbG3nmWocy1a-5YwtjRyLHuxX5_SGdKlKwhyphenhyphenMZQp/s200/dating+mistakes.jpg" width="198" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1. If you don’t like something about someone now, you’ll probably not like it in10 years.</strong> Often what irritates us initially is magnified with time. People are not like a sweater that you can grow into, nor is it ever fair to expect someone to change. What you see is what you get, so you better love what you are with – flaws and all – or throw that fish back in the sea and keep fishing. </span><br />
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<strong style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Spend time getting to know yourself. </strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Sometimes the real problem is people don’t even know themselves and what it is they want. Time being single is quality time you should spend understanding yourself. Yes, dare to explore the abyss of you! Being authentic now may allow you to avoid a mid-life crisis later. Sometimes, people are so scared to spend time with themselves that they end up going from one relationship to the next. If you are that person, your relationship addiction may leave you susceptible to settling.</span><br />
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</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb0wUtcotrt6KwVG5L6TyF-SB-fCpW_ojvlvL1OKpUj8h1vNrvIsQs9o-G-E0Nde9oW0rvb_kGg_3euM6FN4diIOXtVsOIg4DfWe0CpmhVajiebWJX9y4cid7sZxhA1w687Tx1P2Jp8k3/s1600/confidence.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb0wUtcotrt6KwVG5L6TyF-SB-fCpW_ojvlvL1OKpUj8h1vNrvIsQs9o-G-E0Nde9oW0rvb_kGg_3euM6FN4diIOXtVsOIg4DfWe0CpmhVajiebWJX9y4cid7sZxhA1w687Tx1P2Jp8k3/s200/confidence.gif" width="175" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>3. You’re so worth it!</strong> Sadly, many people look for other people to validate their self-worth. However, when they fail to attract what it is they desire, they may begin to settle for someone they are not really into, but is willing to give them the affection they crave. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/sofi-papamarko/single-girls_b_891604.html" target="_hplink">The truth is we must each see ourselves as the incredible person</a> <em>we are</em> and the kind of relationship <em>we deserve</em> in order to have that gem enter our lives. Think about it, if you are settling what are you really saying about yourself? <em>That you can’t do better?</em> You must recognize and believe in your worth as a person in order to attract anyone else who will feel the same way about you. If you believe you are a gem, you’ll attract a gem. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>4. Settling is a Sign of Fear.</strong> Similarly, settling screams a fear of being a lone.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> One is not the loneliest number; but a one plus someone you’re not really into </span><em style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>is! </strong></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This world is big and there is someone out there for everyone, if we so desire. More importantly, the time you waste with Mr. or Miss. Wrong may be the time that you miss from being with Mr. or Miss. Right. The thing you should fear </span><em style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> settling!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVclg-6VgeT3hihKKeusNwUBPntavYOe37SAaLMFJ5JK3rYEGDvguJfe_qLZyqzbOg-aNxLZb3u7qi9DTNy1_2aESRG49VhKL0dGn25ttjZF3F5r6XnwB7a8717GoB6OUR7Rx_askjAf8r/s1600/hot+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVclg-6VgeT3hihKKeusNwUBPntavYOe37SAaLMFJ5JK3rYEGDvguJfe_qLZyqzbOg-aNxLZb3u7qi9DTNy1_2aESRG49VhKL0dGn25ttjZF3F5r6XnwB7a8717GoB6OUR7Rx_askjAf8r/s200/hot+man.jpg" width="133" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>5. Lust isn’t Love. </strong> Often people may know what it is they are looking for in a person, with non-superficial factors being quintessential. Then they meet someone who looks like Brad Pitt or Beyonce with similar bank accounts and all of a sudden being humerous, intelligent, and generous has gone out the window. Sadly, that is lust and it fades. If you don’t have anything in common, conversations are a strain and the only thing you share is a physical attraction, enroll yourself in a 12-step program ASAP and step away.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>6. A divorce increases your likeliness of a subsequent marriage ending in divorce. </strong> While divorce is no longer taboo and you may see it as your get out of jail free card if things don’t work out, it also leaves you more susceptible to another, and another, and another divorce. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ken-solin/the-odds-are-against-wome_b_1011454.html?ref=divorce&ir=Divorce" target="_hplink">Yes, those who divorce are more likely to have subsequent marriages end in a divorce.</a> It’s a fact, so wouldn’t you rather get it right the first time?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2i0V6eueO3zzptLRswr1ZoM3B9CGay8vXaLehgZ5uvAXmHA77oop1THiHH3DflzCWyiNpa707McS8x3iigMGG7u3z5ixPlnFFF9nrafRHL_i6Fkxax9BPh6ZM-dLYHnRArTNmiOedx1S/s1600/dating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2i0V6eueO3zzptLRswr1ZoM3B9CGay8vXaLehgZ5uvAXmHA77oop1THiHH3DflzCWyiNpa707McS8x3iigMGG7u3z5ixPlnFFF9nrafRHL_i6Fkxax9BPh6ZM-dLYHnRArTNmiOedx1S/s200/dating.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>7. Good things come to those who wait. </strong> If you have an accurate assessment of yourself, believe you are worth it and trust that Mr. or Miss. Right is out there for you, they will come. The best thing about waiting is it makes you appreciate “The One” even more when they come along, after kissing all those toads. However one caution - waiting doesn’t mean you do nothing. You have to put yourself out there – go out, meet people, try new things, try online dating or join a cooking class – <a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/2011/03/single-in-city-8-great-places-to-meet.html" target="_hplink">just get out there and date</a>! “The One” isn’t likely to just show up on your doorstep while you wait at home watching Dancing with the Stars. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/nicole-forrester/6-things-women-look-for-in-men_b_985661.html#s390117&title=Chivalry" target="_hplink">In the end love is really what everyone is looking for and everyone needs.</a> There are A LOT of people out there and everyone wants to feel special! So, don’t settle! You are worth it!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You’re Non-Relationship Expert,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nicole</span></span>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-72110186326696372842011-10-31T10:33:00.001-04:002012-01-15T16:20:04.515-05:00Don’t Forget to Feel Your Boobs – Achtung!<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQwWiOrRfSFegQRHnvnX1hOuqbKa2m_HaYlJICfs5Jso8a0ApZQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQwWiOrRfSFegQRHnvnX1hOuqbKa2m_HaYlJICfs5Jso8a0ApZQ" /></a>A<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">s we leave the month of October and usher in the month of <a href="http://ca.movember.com/">Movember</a> where men eagerly sport their “stache” in support (and hopefully fundraising for a charity) for <a href="http://ca.movember.com/">men’s health</a>, let us not forget the teachings of October. While October does include Halloween and Thanksgiving (in Canada) it is a month supporting Breast Cancer awareness. The greatest defence anyone has against cancer is early detection.</span></div><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsZIrwxQAccjE9m7yA0ysWgcoFqjpnIvIYM5VcXDs50nQA1J5cI9eaNKvKb1LPPyQk9UE7fWI8qre8c08FXEJp5es0alcYKsxrsbcuprXEZUmQCd3e_n7XcGB3ybfYRgAIEMiQy-FaBhA/s1600/breastexam1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsZIrwxQAccjE9m7yA0ysWgcoFqjpnIvIYM5VcXDs50nQA1J5cI9eaNKvKb1LPPyQk9UE7fWI8qre8c08FXEJp5es0alcYKsxrsbcuprXEZUmQCd3e_n7XcGB3ybfYRgAIEMiQy-FaBhA/s200/breastexam1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remember to conduct monthly <a href="http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/health_tools/14/enclosures/breastselfexam0.pdf">self-exams</a> to get to know how your chest normally feels and to detect any abnormalities. I can tell you I use to never know what exactly I was feeling for when I conducted self-exams, but when I found a lump 2 years ago I knew <i>then</i> what I found was NOT normal. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know, when I discovered the lump I must have sat on my bed for 20 minutes grappling over what I had felt – “Was this really a lump?” “Is it serious” “Is it cancerous?” “How can this be, I’m too young to find a lump?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I had felt was small, but quite distinct; and it felt hard but rubbery. This was something, I had never felt before! And although I didn’t meet the criteria for being at risk for breast cancer, I certainly wasn’t arrogant enough to believe I was impervious to it. Quite the contrary, I was overwhelmed with various emotions; all of which are normal and none of us are alone! I was fortunate and my lump was <a href="http://www.cbcf.org/breastcancer/bc_aware_be.asp">non-cancerous</a> but it provided a valuable learning experience. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the time I didn’t know a lot about lumps and even the treatment for breast cancer if detected early. So, I immersed myself in a crash course in <a href="http://www.cbcf.org/breastcancer/bc_aware.asp">breast lumps and breast cancer</a> I discovered that there were four main types of lumps, and many women will have lumps in their lifetime that are not cancerous. The advantage of regular self-exams is that you are able to become aware of when something doesn’t feel normal. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WxA_Nd5BTkzArUfQ6vAoa-sGGAs1Vl1aGhVrLNxjcTAnnS_mLj1J1D_hFBBx3mAsbKMBsJpUU-HcsOeQ7gjx0i8S5tXvObocB5nQJnxAbBrW8J9CV6JdzI8nhZxzJHCJ8mBHKW1BWAQo/s1600/breast+cancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WxA_Nd5BTkzArUfQ6vAoa-sGGAs1Vl1aGhVrLNxjcTAnnS_mLj1J1D_hFBBx3mAsbKMBsJpUU-HcsOeQ7gjx0i8S5tXvObocB5nQJnxAbBrW8J9CV6JdzI8nhZxzJHCJ8mBHKW1BWAQo/s200/breast+cancer.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide/About%20cancer/Cancer%20statistics/Stats%20at%20a%20glance/Breast%20cancer.aspx?sc_lang=en">One in 9 women</a> in their lifetime will develop breast cancer. (And men you too are at risk!). Screening and being breast aware can and will make all the difference. You know screening and breast awareness has contributed to survival rates. Since 1986, the breast cancer death rate has fallen by more than 30%. We’ve come a long way!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/health_tools/14/enclosures/breastselfexam0.pdf">Feel your boobs</a>,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nicole</span></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-16858517263529653342011-10-30T07:30:00.000-04:002012-01-15T16:11:50.736-05:00Wise Up!<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday's Lyrics</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We often hear the saying <b><i>“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”</i></b> Sometimes, the first step to improving one’s circumstance or making changes, is to first confront the brutal facts. That means assessing where you are now with things – the good and the bad – and carving out a plan as to how to move forward. The beautiful thing about life is that it is never too late to become what it is you hoped to be when you grew up. Let me say that again… it is never too late to become what it is you hoped to be when you grew up. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, although your current reality may not be ideal, it marks only a starting point as you take giant steps in the direction of what it is you desire. And each step forward is an increase in distance from the place you use to be. Wise up, speaks to this, with the last line challenging us to wise-up or we might as well give up.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life is beautiful. And the best thing about it is that we can always start over. No matter where we are in life… Choose your own adventure. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wise Up by Aimee Mann</span></b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you thought<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you first began it<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You got<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you want<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now you can hardly stand it though,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By now you know<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not going to stop<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not going to stop<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not going to stop<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Til you wise up<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You're sure<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's a cure<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And you have finally found it<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You think<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One drink<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Will shrink you 'til you're underground<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And living down<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But it's not going to stop<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not going to stop<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not going to stop<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Til you wise up<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prepare a list of what you need<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before you sign away the deed<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Cause it's not going to stop<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not going to stop<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not going to stop<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Til you wise up<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No, it's not going to stop<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Til you wise up<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No, it's not going to stop<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So just...give up</span></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-37628638637800420582011-10-26T07:30:00.011-04:002011-10-26T07:30:00.457-04:00The Best Thing You Don't Have...Your Ex<a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/search/label/Wednesday%27s%20RELATIONSHIP%20CORNER"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday's Relationship Corner</span></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzA489y0UILpJ9t4AiFwVbWzoYVcw_X04RCum1rvHz3KWM2nKJr7D5-G1m6Zn6sGgDryPZvNs0ns5_KQxENBQasmOIheq2hPKeOpMas9x5wFYSa1s4JjTbDX4k7ibWLQTmV2KZWK4BDqO/s1600/ex-boyfriend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzA489y0UILpJ9t4AiFwVbWzoYVcw_X04RCum1rvHz3KWM2nKJr7D5-G1m6Zn6sGgDryPZvNs0ns5_KQxENBQasmOIheq2hPKeOpMas9x5wFYSa1s4JjTbDX4k7ibWLQTmV2KZWK4BDqO/s200/ex-boyfriend.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is something about the prefix “ex” followed by boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, or partner that seems to cast a shadow on whatever context it is used. Yes, it is well understood that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ken-solin/the-odds-are-against-wome_b_1011454.html">people who have divorced are more likely to have their subsequent marriages end in divorce</a>. And yes, the end of any relationship can be tumultuous and may involve many nights listening to “I will survive” by Gloria Gaynor as you hug your pillow tight and cry like a child sent to his time-out corner. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While I have never been married, and certainly hope never to divorce, I have had my share of failed dating relationships and rejections. As I reflect back on my own past relationships failures, I can honestly say there is no one that I wish I was still with or had not rejected me. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Often I’ve found myself thanking God that they have been <a href="http://nicole-forrester.blogspot.com/2011/01/relationships-power-of-poof-be-gone.html">“Poof! Be Gone!” </a>from my life and I have been saved from any further waste of my valuable time. <i>(Honestly, I shake my head sometimes and wonder what was I thinking?)</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sure, like anything when the relationship ends or someone I might have been interested in has rejected me, I might have felt dejected and lamented over it, for a moment. But, as the saying goes time heals all wounds and suddenly you realize you might have just dodged a serious train wreck. Here’s why:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjxgqa5u2Jei-gg_ku9m1jQu9Sb97Kl0mBH9nvHwB2y7emSgvH" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjxgqa5u2Jei-gg_ku9m1jQu9Sb97Kl0mBH9nvHwB2y7emSgvH" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Lust Goggles are Gone.</b> When you are “<i>just so <b>into</b></i>” someone, it is easy to see them as someone made to perfection. In fact, you may go so far as to miss the fact that they do not line up with your core values. All of a sudden you forget that you were looking for someone with brains, compassion and humour and confuse their good looks and dry personality as the makings of the next Einstein. However, when things start to go sour your disguised temptress is revealed, much like Toto pulling back the curtains on the Wizard of Oz, and you are left feeling like a blind man given sight. Suddenly, you see what you didn’t want to see before and wonder <i>‘how could you be such an idiot?’</i> Not to worry, it happens to the best of us.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://it.toonpool.com/user/997/files/caveman_invent_nag_437175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://it.toonpool.com/user/997/files/caveman_invent_nag_437175.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Small Problems in the Beginnings make Big Problems in the End. </b>Let’s face </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it, if something about someone slightly bothers you in the beginning, with time it might become the thing that drives you mad. The worst mistake people (especially women) will make is attempting to change someone. You might not like that they smoke, or that they drink milk straight from the carton, or like to speak to the television, so you fall into the delusion that </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>YOU</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> can change that quality in them. Unfortunately, when they suddenly don’t want to join you at the gym because they never have, you can’t really be upset, can you? And yet, people will begin to nag and complain about these problems in the end, when they were always there. Consider this your </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">‘get out of jail-free card</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">,” and wise up for your next go around in the dating world.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTEz5Xgh6RePqDdmAIm8Hqc_xKl4XiB6KzH4Rz1iSexn4tv5X0-Xnmdqb8dsg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTEz5Xgh6RePqDdmAIm8Hqc_xKl4XiB6KzH4Rz1iSexn4tv5X0-Xnmdqb8dsg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Saved by the Grace of Rejection.</b> I believe it is important for anyone and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">everyone to understand their own worth. If you don’t value yourself how can you ever expect anyone else to value you? Likewise if someone isn’t as interested in you, as you are in them consider it a blessing; because this person clearly doesn’t see your greatness. It doesn’t make them a bad person it just makes them a person who is not right for you. To be rejected should be a moment of celebration and thinking “Whew, I just dodged a chance of wasting my greatness on someone who would not have appreciated it.” So, go ahead and do your happy dance!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U7h4xmWYku9l2cuSIlPlDfYjDnMhgyq3LkYobmSvU7qYpJuX7gXbgVGBiwFTgSfZswihchKMI59Fg5vm1KHt42V-jrc6ahlrmqIxBqed6arr-aEeitocgzhHXCklBp2coM727Kpx0IK_/s1600/falling+in+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U7h4xmWYku9l2cuSIlPlDfYjDnMhgyq3LkYobmSvU7qYpJuX7gXbgVGBiwFTgSfZswihchKMI59Fg5vm1KHt42V-jrc6ahlrmqIxBqed6arr-aEeitocgzhHXCklBp2coM727Kpx0IK_/s200/falling+in+love.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Learn more about yourself. </b>Just like I mentioned I often shudder at the guys I was once interested in. However, they’ve all shared a valuable lesson for me. They’ve taught me what I don’t want and more importantly what it is I want in a relationship. The ex factor teaches you how you want to be treated, how you should treat that special someone and essentially how to make a relationship work – if you’re paying attention. As Ken Solin points out, often the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ken-solin/the-odds-are-against-wome_b_1011454.html">reason why most men are likely to divorce</a> again is because they haven’t learned from the mistakes of their previous marriage. We should all pay attention to the lessons that love is teaching us. Try not to be a cynic and realize you’ve got to kiss a few (okay, maybe a ton of) frogs before you unveil your prince or princess.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your Relationship Non-Expert,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nicole</span></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-48671873907303342612011-10-24T13:22:00.002-04:002012-01-15T16:21:30.196-05:00Reflecting on Climbing Mount Everest (well almost)... The CN Tower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHNLLf9Y84OgqJ3ixsjFv7au_pSvvafuqB_Fid1yAzuyBSCwDwDtp4cL3Css83pj812yO09adeSBhINnlhgdAo9k2aBiyr-DAUTt5w-ZZlXnmW0AdfwuBM6tVYE0EkmQdhqL2AnwOBA2a/s1600/cn-tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHNLLf9Y84OgqJ3ixsjFv7au_pSvvafuqB_Fid1yAzuyBSCwDwDtp4cL3Css83pj812yO09adeSBhINnlhgdAo9k2aBiyr-DAUTt5w-ZZlXnmW0AdfwuBM6tVYE0EkmQdhqL2AnwOBA2a/s1600/cn-tower.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday a team of National Team Athletes, Olympians, ParticipACTION Sogo leaders and our great <a href="http://pm.gc.ca/eng/bio.asp?id=98">Minister of State (Sports), Bal Gosal</a> and <a href="http://wladyslawlizon.ca/">Minister Lizon</a> (MP of Mississauga) braved the <a href="http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1264921&langPref=en-CA">CN Tower’s 1,776 stairs for United Way!</a> And everybody did a phenomenal job!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I entered the base of the tower, my mind was clear - I was going to go at a steady pace. Not sprint, and certainly not walk but jog. I mean, after all I am an Olympic Track & Field athlete, and if <a href="http://www.vankayak.com/">Adam Van Koeverden</a> can run these stairs in 12 minutes, I could certainly do the same…. <b><i>Or so I thought.</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My hopes were dashed away when I hit the 8<sup>th</sup> floor and felt winded, and it suddenly occurred to me I wasn’t exactly sure of the amount of floors I had to climb. Here I was at the 8<sup>th</sup> floor feeling the beginnings of lactic acid, that uncomfortable burn, and my anaerobic lungs were beginning to hate me… and I had <i><b>how many more floors to go?</b><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, I dug deep. I kept trucking a long, 2 steps at a time, finally reaching floor 67 and hearing the <st1:place w:st="on">EMS</st1:place> personal stationed there saying “You’re almost there… You’re half way!” And that was hope! I was feeling good and thought I’d take a break as I prepared myself to attack the next 67 steps. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZOI3WynhAWLvjfDVnGgXIwuspN3vqsm2o69dn0HC-ALyJJUm8l7sypsqBymBLDoGTqVhik1PQZXsnPjuJkW7NPsuyd3iKBxf178ok79B9vEk2MgIphheBGH_9ibGwLVM3ZOHkA3Ni7kF/s1600/CN+Tower.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZOI3WynhAWLvjfDVnGgXIwuspN3vqsm2o69dn0HC-ALyJJUm8l7sypsqBymBLDoGTqVhik1PQZXsnPjuJkW7NPsuyd3iKBxf178ok79B9vEk2MgIphheBGH_9ibGwLVM3ZOHkA3Ni7kF/s200/CN+Tower.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That was until I reached the 80<sup>th</sup> floor and someone again yelled out “this is the half way mark!” I felt deflated. I thought I had passed the half way point, and now I’m told that this was the half way point. I realized then no one knew where we were in this beast of a climb. For all I knew I might be only 1/3 of a way into the climb. I was feeling deflated, and kicking myself for not remembering how many floors there were, and failing to use my track knowledge to use a more defined strategy including splits… It was at this point I made up my mind to just survive the climb. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The AquaHumans - swimmer <a href="http://www.richardhortness.com/">Richard Hortness</a> and rower <a href="http://www.rowingcanada.org/beijing_2008/athletes_bios/marquardt/">Darcy Marquardt</a> – had made a clear plan to just enjoy the climb and walk it and had now caught up to me as I lingered on the 80<sup>th</sup> floor. Minister Gosal, who was just in front of me, was well out of sight. My guess was he probably had arrived to the top of the tower by now, enjoying his drink of water and on his way down. I hung with the AquaHumans for a bit and then decided I’d finish my climb with a sprint-rest-sprint approach, sprinting the last 20 flights. (In true anaerobic athlete style!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXUZm6oUqGjAjLMHY0JyG-tyQNh8M2NtHjNdVnmnmVbj3hA5um8auhZqLv1gZNe_zP44_1dAKkWQV2qa2-Xeli0SjmRnA4mOnMYR0KJDs29_OaoLG17i4eimgdbV4BYbxd39CYTLOGplJ/s1600/CN+Tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXUZm6oUqGjAjLMHY0JyG-tyQNh8M2NtHjNdVnmnmVbj3hA5um8auhZqLv1gZNe_zP44_1dAKkWQV2qa2-Xeli0SjmRnA4mOnMYR0KJDs29_OaoLG17i4eimgdbV4BYbxd39CYTLOGplJ/s320/CN+Tower.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bad idea… as we approached the top there was an astonishing back-up of people, limiting us to a snail pace as we timed out. But, in truth it didn’t matter. I was just excited to see an end to this labyrinth of a climb. It was actually fun and really satisfying! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I stood on the staircase and saw so many people braving these stairs I couldn’t help but feel how possible anything is for us to achieve if we have the will power to do so. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">United Way</st1:address></st1:street> is a laudable organization, touching a wide array of lives, and to be a part of a team of athletes taking time out of their busy training schedules for this worthy cause was incredible. Furthermore, I believe we were all blown away to have our Minister of State (Sports), Bal Gosal join us in this climb!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pretty incredible and yes, I definitely want to do this climb again, next year. But, next time instead of running 21.10, I’ll aim for a more modest but determined time of 16 minutes. My approach will be simple sprint-rest-sprint (accounting for my anaerobic athletic qualities) with a measured timed approach of timed splits for every 30 flights of stairs! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A special thanks to the sponsors and organizers of this Climb. Also, I will be collecting donations until November 18, 2011 for this climb, so please <a href="http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1264921&langPref=en-CA">click here to sponsor me and show your support</a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Climbed for a better Community,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nicole</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img src="http://www.uwgt.org/images/events/CNtower/2011/sponsorsPage.gif" /></span></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-29200696198918508432011-10-22T07:30:00.004-04:002012-01-15T16:11:50.737-05:00Another Day In Paradise<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1264921&langPref=en-CA&Referrer=http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://my.e2rm.com/TeamPage.aspx?TSID=335231&Lang=en-CA&h=0AQAnOfV6AQA-u19ToTpWjCN0nw4UBIFcr0asQmPu6R-ZrA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://nicoleforrester.com/images/imageWriter.gif" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>How poignant is this song?</i></b><b><i> </i></b> It’s easy for any of us to take for granted what we have and choose to turn a blind eye to the struggles of others. I don’t believe much has to be said regarding the meaning inferred by this song. Perhaps we can each think twice when we see someone in need and remember the paradise we are living in. There are many ways we can each be involved to help those less fortunate. From volunteering at a soup kitchen, or various other activities to donating what spare change, if any we may have.</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>How much better would this world be if we each took a moment to help out those in need?</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In lieu of this, I'm climbing the 1,77s steps of the CN Tower on October 23, 2011, with my team of Canadian Athletes in the <a href="http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1264921&langPref=en-CA&Referrer=http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://my.e2rm.com/TeamPage.aspx?TSID=335231&Lang=en-CA&h=0AQAnOfV6AQA-u19ToTpWjCN0nw4UBIFcr0asQmPu6R-ZrA">Enbridge CN Tower Climb</a> for <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">United Way</st1:address></st1:street> on October 23, 2011. If you can please help me reach and surpass my goal of raising $500 for the <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">United Way</st1:address></st1:street> by <a href="http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1264921&langPref=en-CA&Referrer=http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://my.e2rm.com/TeamPage.aspx?TSID=335231&Lang=en-CA&h=0AQAnOfV6AQA-u19ToTpWjCN0nw4UBIFcr0asQmPu6R-ZrA">clicking here to sponsor me</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Money raised goes towards mobilizing people from every part of our community. We are changing lives and shaping a stronger and healthier city, with opportunities for all. Together we can all make a difference!</span></div></div><br />
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<h1 id="watch-headline-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: 1.8333em; font-weight: bold; height: 1.1363em; line-height: 1.1363em; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-height: 1.1363em; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Phil Collins - Another Day In Paradise">Another Day In Paradise by Phil Collins</span></h1><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Qt2mbGP6vFI" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She calls out to the man on the street<o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Sir, can you help me?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's cold and I've nowhere to sleep<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is there somewhere you can tell me?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He walks on, doesn't look back<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He pretends he can't hear her<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He starts to whistle as he crosses the street<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She's embarrassed to be there<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, think twice, it's just another day for<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you and me in paradise<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, think twice, it's just another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you, you and me in paradise<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just think about it<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She calls out to the man on the street<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He can see she's been cryin'<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She's got blisters on the soles of her feet<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She can't walk but she's tryin'<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, just think twice, it's just another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you and me in paradise<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, yes think twice, it's just another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you, you and me in paradise<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just think about it, just think about it<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh Lord, is there nothing more anybody can do?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh Lord, there must be something you can say</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can tell by the lines on her face<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can see that she's been there<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Probably been moved on from every place<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Cause she didn't fit in there<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, yes think twice, it's just another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you and me in paradise<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, yes think twice, it's just another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you, you and me in paradise<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just think about it, just think about it<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's just another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you and me in paradise<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's just another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you and me in paradise<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's just another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you and me in paradise<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's just another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you and me in paradise<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's just another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you and me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you and me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you and me in paradise<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In paradise</span></div></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471715415336520791.post-80984504669525544852011-10-20T22:52:00.000-04:002012-01-15T16:21:30.197-05:00Canadian Athletes and our Minister of Sports joining the Climb for a Better Community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXUZm6oUqGjAjLMHY0JyG-tyQNh8M2NtHjNdVnmnmVbj3hA5um8auhZqLv1gZNe_zP44_1dAKkWQV2qa2-Xeli0SjmRnA4mOnMYR0KJDs29_OaoLG17i4eimgdbV4BYbxd39CYTLOGplJ/s1600/CN+Tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXUZm6oUqGjAjLMHY0JyG-tyQNh8M2NtHjNdVnmnmVbj3hA5um8auhZqLv1gZNe_zP44_1dAKkWQV2qa2-Xeli0SjmRnA4mOnMYR0KJDs29_OaoLG17i4eimgdbV4BYbxd39CYTLOGplJ/s200/CN+Tower.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-PRESS RELEASE-</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For a second time AthletesCAN - Canadian Olympians & National Team Athletes will scale the 1,776 steps of the second tallest building in the world, the CN Tower in the Embridge CN Tower Climb for United Way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year, our team of athletes will be incredibly joined by our new Minister of Sports, Bal Gosal and Minister Lizon (MP for Mississauga-Cooksville).</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The significance of this climb cannot be understated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is both a physical challenge and social challenge of supporting our community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>United Way is an incredible charity who has relentlessly provided support for over 50 years to the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Donation supports a network of over 200 membership agencies providing vital social services to hundreds of thousands of people throughout the city—single parents, abused women, young children and teenagers, the elderly, the physically challenged, the homeless, and the many new immigrants who need help to realize their dreams of a better life in Canada. United Way Toronto is the only major funding organization that delivers significant core operating support to social service agencies.” United Way, Toronto</span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The involvement and commitment of athletes to social responsibility is a beautiful demonstration of the power of sports – improving the community around us to make a better Canada through social responsibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every one of us has the power to positively impact the lives of others, no matter how small. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our team is committed to raising a minimum of $10,000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will continue to fundraise until November 18, 2011, and encourage you to go online to support us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you would like to sponsor me, please click the link below. Once you've made your donation using your credit card, you will receive an electronic tax receipt immediately. It's fast, easy, and secure!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=3204675&langPref=en-CA" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=3204675&langPref=en-CA</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">For more information on how you can participate in the 2011 Enbridge CN Tower Climb for United Way, too, please visit:</span> </span><a href="http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=3204675&langPref=en-CA" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=3204675&langPref=en-CA</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for your support! </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meet Our Team</span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Shelly-Ann Brown</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Bobsled, Olympian Silver Medalist, World Cup Bronze Medalist<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">currently training for Sochi 2014</i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Olympic Games</i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Craig Buntin</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Figure Skater (Pairs), Olympian (Interesting fact - first to successfully land a throw triple lutz in competition)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ahren Cadieux</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Beach Volleyball</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Nicole Forrester – </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Athletics, Olympian, Commonwealth Gold & Bronze Medalist, Pan-American Games Silver and Bronze Medalist, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">currently training for London 2012 Olympic Games</i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Richard Hortness</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Swimmer, 2008 Olympian, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">currently training for London 2012</i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Olympic Games</i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bonnie Huang</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> - Youth-Inspire Ambassador, Motivate Canada</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Crystal Lee – </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Freestyle Skiing<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Jonathan Lockwood</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Baseball, 2008 Olympian<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Louis-Pierre Mainville</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Volleyball, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">currently training for London 2012 Olympic Games</i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Darcy Marquardt</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Rowing, 2-Time Olympian, World Champion Gold Medalist, 2-Time World Champion Silver Medalist, World Champion Bronze Medalist, currently training for London 2012 Olympic Games, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">currently training for London 2012 Olympic Games</i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Fiona McKee</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – 2008 Olympian, Pan-American Games Silver Medalist</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Claire Merry</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Sailing, Olympian, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">currently training for London 2012 Olympic Games</i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tyler Mosher</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> - Paralympian for Cross Country Skiing and Adaptive Snowboarding World Champion, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">currently training for Sochi 2014</i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Olympic Games</i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Andrew Nisker</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Tennis, formerly AthleteCAN President</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Derek Scheffel - </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.uwgt.org/images/events/CNtower/2011/sponsorsPage.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Jaqueline Scheffel - </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hockey</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kara Zakrzewski</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Beach Volleyball</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cricket Team – </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">5 members</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bal Gosal</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Minister of Sports, MP for Brampton</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Wladyslaw Lizon & wife </strong>- MP for Mississauga-Cooksville </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Committed to excellence and a better community with every step!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Go CANADA!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nicole</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Enbridge CN Tower Climb for United Way is sponsored by: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <img alt="Logos of the generous sponsors of the 2010 Enbridge CN Tower Climb for United Way" border="0" height="640" src="http://www.uwgt.org/images/events/CNtower/2011/sponsorsPage.gif" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 80px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 20px;" usemap="#Map" width="392" /></div>Nicole Wendy Forresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128458546036981790noreply@blogger.com0