The One Percent

The One Percent : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmlX3fLQrEc
Born Rich : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xhuSxyHWRw

These documentaries directed by Jamie Johnson of the Johnson & Johnson family, are both intriguing, and thought provoking- too thought provoking for me to get into right now. I will have to watch them again and research my questions in order to educate myself enough to answer my own questions.

A couple things I want to look into, and call my Dad to pick his brain over:

1) Estate tax
2) Rich v. Poor
3) Hurricane Katrina
4) How money is viewed by those who have and those who don't

I am so curious as to how things work in different walks of life; how people react in extraordinary circumstances; and how as human beings we choose what path we are going to take in this world and are the ultimate factor in whether or not we can succeed or not.

xo Emily

Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest OH MY!

With more social media sites popping up as each month passes, how do I remain ahead of the game and learn how to use a site effectively while maintaining a level of privacy over my life? I think staying on top of the latest trends is important, but should not be life consuming. There is no possible way for one person to know how to maximize the use of each site right away. Like anything it takes time, and practice.  My goal for the next year will be learning more about the new social outlets, and how I can link them successfully to my other pages.

I have broken down what sites I use, what I use them for, and who my interactions are with:

1) Facebook- I find with Facebook, I want my friends to actually be my friends, I tend to put the most personal things on my page, but limit who is able to see what. My closest friends have access to my pictures, while my work friends have access to my statuses and my own posts only. I can always change privacy settings if I become closer to someone. I prefer to keep a level of separation between work and my personal life. 

2) Twitter - In 140 characters, I will say a lot but I will not use profanity, or defame anyone. I like to say what I think and stay true to myself without offending anybody. Twitter has become a huge marketing outlet and a powerful means of communication, and I do not want a potential employer to look back on my Tweets and see how much I disliked something specific. I do not want to burn down any bridges before I get to them. Twitter is something I have linked to my other pages, as I feel it is not as personal as Facebook, and shows my personality.

3) Pinterest - Such a great way to interact and connect with another person or company and see their likes. I like being able to see what a company likes, and see how our interests compare. It is also great for recipes and outfit ideas. Since I am still fairly new to the site, I have not yet linked it to any of my other pages. 

4) Linkedin - When I first heard about Linkedin I didn't understand what it was all about, but now that I have created a page, and have updated it a few times, I understand just how important my online network is. I feel my next job, will come out of my interactions on Linkedin, and because of this is it extremely important to brand myself well. I have linked Twitter to my Linkedin account, so far that is it. 

My social media presence is a great representation of myself, I choose quality over quantity, and follow a "less-is-more" approach. I think it is more important for me to have an active presence on a few sites, rather than minimal and possibly flighty presence on many sites. 

xo Emily

Man Rant

I think its rather important to be polite at the best and worst of times, but when someone refuses to take a hint, it leaves me with no other option but to be blunt and shut it down.

Last night, my friend and I met the most obnoxious man. Not only had he had way to much too drink and smelled rather unpleasant, he also kept interrupting our conversations and sitting down with us. I am positive we were not giving off an inviting vibe to this man, in fact, I told him how annoying he was getting, and asked him if he would please find a different table to entertain.

The bar was filled with these macho, juiced-up, gym monkeys last night, and of course it was- we decided to watch the football games at Real Sports. I stopped counting how many times I was asked if I liked football, and what I was doing after the game. All of these men were cookie cutters to me. They were all dressed the same, had a 32oz Coors Light beer in hand, and had greasy fingers from the mountain of wings they must have devoured minutes earlier. Not one of them did anything to make themselves stand out from their counterparts. 

Standing out would not have been hard last night, all someone would have had to do is wash their hands and start with a firm hand shake, a pleasant "hello, my name is....." then followed by a genuine compliment. That's it. I don't understand how that is so difficult. There is nothing worse that a pick-up line, unless of course it is coming from someone with a great sense of humour, and if that's the case, cool- rock it. I would think saying "hello" would be a million times easier than racking ones brain for a pick-up line that has worked in the past, I am sure it is damn-near impossible. 

"If you want to be an eagle, soar with eagles."

xo Emily 

I dedicate this SUNday FUNday...

Sunday is by far the greatest day of the week. I can happily say I dedicate this day to my friends, and our love for fun. Today, I have no idea what is on the agenda, just that I got to wake up late, get ready slow, watch Dave Chappelle AND that Ali will be here shortly.

Maybe today we will window shop, and go for coffee.

But probably not...

Being the last day of 2012 and all....except for well, tomorrow, I should probably celebrate the great year I have had. So cheers to all the new friends I have made, and the parties I have thrown, to the grades I earned and the promotion at work. This Sunday Funday is for YOU (well me!)

xo Emily

Scrambled Eggs for Brains...just this morning

I am having an ADD moment, and can't make up my mind about what I want to blog about. It could be the fact that I am distracted by my new guilty pleasure, Real Housewives of Vancouver, or that fact that I have already had two large coffees, or the bag of Peppermint Kisses that I had for breakfast.  I'm a big fan of lists, so here's what's on my mind today:

1. New Years resolution this year? Maybe I should figure out my NYE plans first!

2. If I were President what would I do? I want to start by understanding what all this fiscal cliff stuff is about first. 

3. I need to avoid the mall at all cost. And cannot let my friends trick me into going shopping with them.

4. My Christmas break goal was to read two non-school related books, and start a blog. I am halfway through book one, and I started a blog. Go me!

5. I need to pick out some recipes for my new Crock Pot! 

Reading this over, I see just how scatterbrained I am today. Today, I will find focus. 

xo Emily

December Soundtrack

Some jamz on repeat right now...

1. My Homies Still - Lil Wayne ft. Big Sean

2. I'm Ready for Ya- Drake

3. 6'7"- Lil Wayne

4. Clique- Jay-Z & Kanye

5. Make it Nasty - Tyga

6. Pop That- French Montana

7. Racks - YC

8. Cinema - Gary Go, Benny Benassi & Skrillex

9. Mercy - Jay Z & Kanye

10. Locked Out of Heaven- Bruno Mars

11. Wobble- Travis Porter prod. Diplo

12. Neighbours Know my Name- Trey Songz

13. Simply Amazing - Trey Songz

14. Strange Clouds - B.o.B ft. Lil Wayne

15. Rack City - Tyga

16. Suga Suga- Baby Bash

xo Emily

My Christmas

Twenty-three, that is the number of Christmases I have had. Of them, 16 have been celebrated in Florida. Between Walt Disney World and my Grandparent's house, I was unsure what a white Christmas was until I was 17, and luckily for me, global warming had already started to make its effect on Canada, so I still have not really experienced a white Christmas.

I remember one year, Santa, dropped off presents in Florida and at my home in Canada, that was a pretty cool year. I think I got a pink "My Little Pony." Im so blessed, my parents have always spoiled me.

My Dad picked me up from the train station, Sunday morning, and since I wasn't feeling too well, he brought me home, so I could sleep. My mom welcomed me with lots of hugs and kisses, and our dog, Harley followed me around everywhere, such a warm welcome. Mom knew I wasn't feeling well and already had soup on, soup, ginger ale and a warm bed was everything I needed.

Christmas Eve day, my Dad was out doing some last minute shopping, and volunteering, while I had tea and biscuits with my mom. We watched Christmas movies, and caught up. Traditionally, we have always had small appetizers for our Christmas Eve dinner, while we all laugh to Chevy Chase and the Grisword's in Christmas Vacation. We watch the news, and find out where Santa is. I don't leave cookies anymore, I think Santa likes eggnog much more!

I remember when I was younger, I would wake up early, so excited to see what Santa brought. I would check all the tags, and put my presents near the front, thinking I could open them first. Now, my parents have to wake me up, because they want to open presents- today, around noon.

A family tradition is to have a baked sausage, egg and cheese soufflé before we open presents, and it is my favourite meal ever. If I were to ever be required to choose a last meal, that would -without a doubt, be it. Bailey's coffee in hand, we head to the tree.

Stockings first.

Then the search for the Pickle. Yes, my mom hangs a pickle ornament on the tree, every year, and the first person to find it, gets to open the first gift. I always find it first!!!

I always love my presents, I am excited to cook a pot roast for my roommate, Sara with my new Crock Pot! Christmas is not just about the gifts, I love spending time with my family, it's as if I am a kid again. I always feel so safe at home, being in the comfort of my home with the 2 people I love most, is the best gift of all.

I can't wait to start planning my next trip home.

xo Emily