Turning the Camera on Yourself

 Self-perception and how others perceive us, what's the link? Jen Davis turned the camera on herself, letting the world in on personal moments, insecurities, desires. It is a brave thing to do in a society that values thinness & beauty. 

http://jendavisphoto.com/index.php?/work/self-portraits/

I found her self-portraits to be both thought-provoking and embarrassing because I've been "there". I know I can't do what she has.  Taking a quick scroll through my facebook newsfeed, I doubt many of us would be able to do so. Facebook is riddled with "our" best pictures, best poses and conveyances of happiness. But where are the dark things? the real things? 

She let me sleep

This never happens and thus is worth sharing.

H left for work early. I never use an alarm. I don't have to because my nearly 3 year old always wakes me up before 6:30, running in, jumping in bed, asking for anything and everything she can think of. So I expected A to wake me up. But I woke up very peacefully this morning and well rested. I was "happy" to start the day. It was eerie and as I reached over for my phone to check the time, my heart began to race thinking something was wrong. I jumped out of bed when I saw that it was 8:30.

As I turned the corner into the girls' room, I could hear A telling C, "Go to sleep. Mommy is sleeping." followed by "Why are you awake? I'm tired. I'm going to get angry."

The child is turning into me!

A 29-year-old on the difficulties of landing a first job

this is quite good -

Here is a clip. The rest on link at end.

Hi Rob,

I thought I'd thank you for digging into the issues facing Millennials (a term I abhor, but anyhow) as they finish school and enter the workforce. Perhaps that should read "enter the ranks of the unemployed," but for some incomprehensible reason, I'm still hopeful. Don't worry though, it's fading fast!

My story's about the same as most, but I'm hoping that it might shed some light on some other issues that we face in working with what we've been dealt. I finished up at university at about the same time that Lehman Bros. went under, after having seen the very obvious warning signs at Bear Stearns et al. Admittedly, this wasn't great timing, but I thought that with a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and a bit of luck, things would work out alright. What I got instead was this:

- Short-term contract position after short-term contract position.

- Wages that weren't at all related to the realities of short-term contract positions, ie: way too low to make up for the short-term, no-benefits nature of the work.

- Experience that was almost completely unrelated to anything I was interested in, career-wise.

- Hiring freezes at a ludicrous number of places.

- A complete inability to "grow up," so to speak

At the age of 29, I've likely forever lost the following opportunities due to cost and probable inability to make up for lost wages and career potential:

- Getting married.

- Having children.

- Owning a home that's bigger than 500 square feet. (hint: that's not big.)

- Studying any more, whether that means grad school, law school, or even just night classes at a random community college.

- Retirement. Sure, I'd love to be investing for it. But with what money?

Am I bitter about all of this? Not entirely, because it all just sort of works itself out. If I can't get married (dating is tough when you're broke) and have kids, I don't need a home bigger than 500 square feet, nor is more study to obtain employment that I'm not only happier with and better at than what I already do but also more lucrative really necessary, since I'll only be supporting myself. As for the issues revolving around savings, investments, and retirement, you may be surprised to find out how much happier one can be if you simply accept that you'll be working until very close to your death. Why? Assuming I do end up doing this, I'll have a consistent income coming in until death, which should make up for lack of retirement funds.

A 29-year-old on the difficulties of landing a first job

Gifts to Give or Get

I budget. I scrimp. I buy second hand - I buy ALOT of second-hand. But occasionally I come across items that I think are special, though getting me to spend over 20 isn't easy. These caught my eye. 

Child's Personalised Oil Cloth Apron 

from http://pinnikity.com  

15.50 GBP ($15.50 USD)

The personalized touch is great, but also, it is easy to wipe clean and the kiddos will love getting involved in the kitchen and using them for messy arts & crafts.          

Retro Lunch Box by http://www.ellajamesliving.co.uk 

4.75 GBP ($7.50 USD)

I like simplicity and things that might "appear" to be old. I think this is great. 

Zoola Jewellry Ring Holder by Umbra 

http://www.stylishlife.co.uk                                         

7.14 GBP  ($11.30 USD)                  

Please tell me I'm not the only 

one who misplaces her rings.  

Rainbow Necklace by http://www.howkapow.com

25 GBP ($40 USD)         

Definitely over my budget but the dove

sold it for me.  Is it summer yet?                                                                     

An iPaperPad by http://www.ipaperpad.com/ 

3.20 GBP ($5 USD) 

 I just think this is funny. 

Why I am learning the Guitar

I'm learning the guitar because music makes people smile. ahh  -  life is good.

sick like walking dead sick

I've been sick. I'm better now so don't worry. But this was the sort of "I'm glad I have a will written out sick." I was bedridden for two days and for three nights the only thing that would put me to bed was a warm shot of whisky in my verbena tea (ok fine two shots).  All I had was the common cold, but for some reason whenever I get a cold, I get an incredibly painful sore throat and I start to cough uncontrollably to the point where I feel hot, start peeling off layers of clothing, and  my abs begin to contract. It doesn't stop. Yesterday at the grocery store I had an attack and about 4 people tried calling for an ambulance. As soon as it passes, I'm fine. My ribs are very sore now and I am dumbfounded that I have made it this far without breaking a rib during an episode.

I've done the unreasonable thing, which is to spend hours on the internet self-diagnosing and I am now convinced that I need my tonsils out. H thinks I am insane. I'll see my doctor in two weeks to discuss.

Guacamole

This is an easy (mild) guacamole. The key is to toss all of the ingredients into the bowl before mixing and to mix with a slotted spoon, which mashes the avocados. If you need to refrigerate to use a day later, add the juice of an extra lemon then place in storage dish without lid, place cling (clear) film directly on top and pat onto the guacamole so that there is no air in the container. Then place lid on container. It should be good for up to 2 days without browning.

Ingredients: 6 ripe avocados (chopped), 2 tomatoes (chopped), 1 medium onion chopped, 1 bunch of coriander (cilantro) (finely chopped), juice from 2 lemons, juice from 2 limes, 1 serrano chile (ribbed, seeds removed and finely minced), coarse salt, tablespoon of cumin powder. Optional tablespoon of mild chili powder & tablespoon of coriander powder.

Toss all of the ingredients into a large plastic bowl. Using a slotted spoon mix, slightly mashing avocados. Enjoy with tortillas or in wraps.

10 pounds to go

I've lost 3 of my 13 pounds ... but today ... (sigh) (sigh) (sigh) I went to a child birthday and did some baking and (sigh) (sigh) (sigh). As a result, I've eaten just about 2000 calories of cakes & brownies. I feel it. GROSS. Hoping to pick up again starting now ...