Life or something like it

In an effort to be a real life person who has a job that they love I've launched a website. I never used to think that what I posted online mattered much, but as of late I've been forced to recognize that my "personal brand" or "online identity" is becoming more and more important in the job hunt.

Prospective employers often screen candidates by checking out their Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets. Red flags for them could be anything from an ill placed f-bomb to inappropriate pictures.

While I don't really know how I feel about this as an employment practice, it has really made me think twice before venting via social media. Now I think before speak and Google before I Tweet.

These days when we're able to click a button and publish our thoughts, feelings and basically anything to the world, can we really ask others not to judge us on what we put out there for public consumption??

all my ducks,

Are not in a row, and needless to say they are becoming rowdy.

Did you ever as a child think "When I'm (insert reasonable sounding age here) I'll be married, stable in a career of my choice and own a house." ?? I did, and now that I'm approaching my reasonable sounding age of 26 and I have none of those things I'm left thinking, well now what?

I'm closer than some people, I've finished school and started (slowly but surely) down my career path but I live at home and have no significant other to speak of (that's not really an issue, its just yet another thing that I thought I'd have figured out by now).

I mean when my grandmother was my age she was raising 4 children, holding down a job and generally just being remarkable. On my 17th birthday she called me to tell me that at my age she was pregnant with my mother, the times have definitely changed.

All this being said, I wouldn't change a thing about how my life has played out, I might however go back in time and tell the child me to quit day dreaming so much and focus on the now, because I've realized over the past year that the now is what really matters.

A little bit of sunshine everywhere

Last week a friend of mine passed away. For those of you who knew Nigel Gough, you know he was a good friend, a great friend. The kind of person who walked into a room and lit it up without even knowing; the kind of person you met on the street and then spent the whole day with; he was the kind of person that you would want to know.

He never had a bad word to say about anyone and he was the only person I knew who had 1,613 Facebook friends and was actually friends with every single one of them.

Nyree said it best I think - "Nigel was a little bit of sunshine everywhere." and he was. The only regret I think Nigel would have is leaving behind his family and friends, because he lived the crap out of life. He had an ease about him, as if everything he did was effortless. From his acting to his friendships - Nigel put his whole heart into everything he did.

We met in Guelph - he came there as a mature student already having studied in the States. We first met when he approached me and said "Do you know Nyree??" and our friendship was cemented. He was a friend who was in and out of my life so much, but whenever we saw each other it was as if no time had past.

When he was visiting family in PEI last summer we met up for a whirl-wind day where we not only saw, but also somehow worked our way into the gay pride parade. I showed him my favourite places in Charlottetown, and we met Anne (with an 'e'). Magical things always happened when Nigel was around.

Its hard to imagine a world where he is not but I truly believe the best tribute to Nigel is to live the way that he did. No regrets, no limitations make the impossible, possible. So I'm vowing to go out there and take the world by storm, because its what he would want.


Nigel had a saying, he signed off every email, every Facebook update or wall post with the words shine on. Nigel's light will continue to shine on in the hearts of his family and friends he left behind. My deepest condolences go out to everyone he has touched in his too short lifetime - it is a loss we will all feel for a long time.

Shine on Nigel.

a procrastinators manifesto

Hi, my name is Katie, and I'm a procrastinator.

Right now for example I'm avoiding a group paper on corporate social responsibility. And yet another example to add to the list - I just had a shower to avoid this blog post - true story.

I would stop - really I would, but I have never had a bad mark as a consequence. In fact some of my BEST work happens when I'm under pressure. To be honest a lot of times I get stuff back and re-read it and am surprised by my own genius (half of the time I don't really remember writing it).

So I have a few tips for those looking to put off the inevitable.

#1 - Facebook
Facebook is a great way to avoid work, there are so many people to creep on - so little time (or all the time in the world, your choice).


#2 - Twitter
another social media site I'm aware, but so much of my time spent avoiding work is with the intention of starting soon (a word I am very fond of using as it has no time attached to it).

#3 - Take a shower
How can you be expected to do work if you are unclean?? This may just be my OCD talking.



#4 - Make a snack
Eating is a great form of procrastination. You need nourishment to function at your best don't you?



#5 Call a loved one
I don't know about you but my grandma LOVES to talk, anytime I feel like catching up on the family gossip or feel like telling a joke I give my grandma a call. (or Skype, that's right shes on SKYPE...the camera isn't always pointed at her - but shes there!)

So there you have it. My top five procrastination techniques, and now to think about writing my paper....or perhaps I need a snack???

both hands

this song throws me back to first year uni and well...you know.

Ani needs to make it onto my playlist more often.

we will now take a break from our regularly scheduled transmission...

Not the usual Katie blogging today, but a Caitlin nonetheless. We are commuters, GO train commuters. Katie is fortunate enough to get a ride from time to time, while I ride the GO everyday from Burlington to Long Branch. Remember the show Train48? It aired on Global for about two years. I think the idea was better than the show itself. Sometimes I think I should be on that show. Each episode tracked the lives of 12 daily commuters from Burlington to Union Station. Commuters just like me.

TIP #1: When sharing a four-seat quadrant on the GO, always sit diagonally from the other passenger.

Although we are social beings, when it comes to conversing with strangers we need some personal space. Wherever row seating is present it is preferable to leave a few seats between you and other people. There is always an empty space whether it is at the bus stop, the doctor’s office, on the subway or at the movie theatre. For some reason it’s uncomfortable to sit right next to someone.

TIP #2: Keep conversations to a minimum.

Nothing is more annoying than a loud conversation in the morning. That being said- I’m not saying don’t talk at all; just don’t let the whole train in on the conversation.

Last week, I was riding to school with a friend Kara and we were having a quiet discussion. Behind me was a group of four businessmen. They were not having a quiet discussion but rather a full blown conversation. I could hear their conversation perfectly, but since I too was talking this did not bother me.

Well, there was another man wearing torn jeans, heavy boots, and cycling gloves sitting in the quadrant next to me. The chatter frustrated him as he read his metro newspaper. All of the sudden, this man leans towards me and says, “Excuse me, can you keep it down?”

How do I respond? I’m not being nearly as disruptive as the four businessmen behind me? I’m not swearing, laughing or on the phone.

“Um…yea… sure,” I said. “Sorry?”

I was pissed. There is no way this torn jeans man would have confronted the four businessmen. I was a strategic target. I’m a young lady and in his mind am inferior. By telling me to be quiet he accomplished two things. He not only got me to shut up, but he also managed to get the four businessmen to shut up. And he did this without causing himself any shame or embarrassment.

Guest blog by Caitlin McNamee-Lamb

@caitlinmlamb

cupcakes & activism

Yesterday my friend Kara and I spent our evening baking for a cause. We are part of a group called the Clean Train Student Coalition, and we are advocating for the proposed air-rail link from Union station to Pearson to be electrified.

Metrolinx, a government contracted company, has already started construction on the line and plans to run up to 200 diesel trains through the corridor a day. Diesel poses many problems for both you and the environment. Not only is it hazardous to your health, it affects property prices and pollutes the environment.


The CTSC is a student movement linked to the Clean Train Coalition and are working to build student involvement in the push for electrification.

How can you help you ask?? Sign the online petition! Join our Facebook group! Follow us on Twitter! And if you happen to be near Humber Lakeshore campus today at noon stop by A/B or H to buy a cupcake!

laughter is the best medicine

I do a lot of laughable things in the course of a day. If you're anything like me (klutzy, without a verbal filter and the sense of humor of a 10 year old boy) you do as well. What I believe gets me through my most embarrassing situations is my ability to laugh at myself. I recognize when I've done something hilarious/stupid/embarrassing and I can laugh it off.

I think people appreciate that, because really, what's sad about exploding a canister of whip cream all over yourself??? The answer is nothing - its hilarious. That actually happened by the way...last Sunday to (you guessed it) me.

Now laughter actually IS good for you it can strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress.

So take a leaf from my book and have a chuckle at your own expense every once and awhile! Trust me it makes the whole offending situation less awkward for those around you, and ultimately makes you healthier!

Diary of a Barista Girl

Since high school my fall back job has always been in a coffee shop. It seems to be the one job that is always available.

In University and now College, I spend my free time catering to the coffee elite (or snobs). With their non-fat, decaf, sugar free, half-sweet, no foam why bother lattes. Its frustrating to churn out these drinks - there's no flare in them! (I'm starting to get really interested in latte art as of late and so far can only do the heart.)

Despite what you might think, I actually kinda like my job. We have a lot of really great regular customers, that I name drinks after. Like the Lola latte, a small, skinny, extra hot, extra foam latte.

I've been a Barista for about 5 years - and I can say that it definitely is a skill. One worth having (it's a good party trick) but like with every job it has its downfalls. Like creepers who stay in your shop for the free wifi watch Spanish soaps and talk to themselves. Customers who think they know more than you and co-workers who can be less then pleasant.

I hope to make this a regular or at least reoccurring subject in my blog - I'll upload pictures of my new latte art, talk about funny happenings around the shop and talk (or rant) about customer experiences.

On a less related but hilarious note - have you seen this yet??

I'm glutton for punishment...

And I'll tell you why, I've decided to run a 10KM charity run called the Underware Affair which benefits below the belt cancers this coming August.

I was attracted to the run because of the name. I mean a bunch of people prancing around in their underpants has to be both hilarious and fun right?? right?? Now the more I think about the actual physical activity part of the event, I'm getting scared.

Now lets give you some context. I am in NO WAY a runner. I detested the yearly "12 minute run" in grade school, which I was sure was invented just to punish and embarrass me. I have asthma and always had to stop half way through due to an attack. I somehow talked my way out of the mile run in grade nine and then quit gym immediately following that year (as it was no longer a requirement).

So knowing all this why, oh why did I decide this was a good idea? Well to be frank I think I knew it was a bad idea all along, but I somehow talked myself into doing this and being a taurus - I will see it through to the bitter end.

Whats my big plan you might be wondering. Well the plan is to start training by runing 3km a few times a week - and when I feel comfortable I'll move it up a couple KM and so on and so forth until I hit 10KM.

Now I know this is a lofty goal but as I said I plan on seeing it through - I'll be sure to keep you updated on my progress throughout the process and make sure I post some pictures from race day - because I know ya'll are interested in the people in their underpants.