Please Stop Annoying Me

Happy People

(This is my definition of happiness.)

I seem to write a lot about happy people, and how they annoy me. It’s not that I’m not happy – I am. I just don’t see the need to be overtly happy to the point that it is annoying to everyone in one’s vicinity. Okay, annoying to me. I know people – a person – that are very happy. But not in a subtle way. It’s almost offensive, this happiness. It’s so in your face, so desperately happy that it borders on fake, that it actually makes me more negative as a result. I get that you enjoy your life. That’s amazing, and I am very happy for you. But please don’t feel the need to talk to me all the time about how amazing the sun is, or sing to yourself as you bask in your happiness. Because there are some of us that don’t appreciate it, and some of us that actually prefer sarcasm and cynicism (CD and I had this discussion today, and we both agree that it’s much more effective in life). It’s not because we’re unhappy – I’m actually able to be sarcastic and cynical BECAUSE I’m happy. I can see the bad in things and twist it into something funny. And I can make fun of myself. Which I think is hilarious (and if you don’t, then suck it). But maybe my problem is that I act super cheery sometimes when I first meet new people, so they’re super cheerful, and they think that’s the real me. And they’re ACTUALLY really cheery and think they’ve found a kindred spirit. But they haven’t. And it’s exhausting trying to keep that façade up. I was in an overly good mood that day, okay? It doesn’t happen often. It’s just…if you’re always cheerful, chances are that you’re annoying someone. Keep it to yourself. And stop singing when there’s no music. Thanks.

Love

(If you feel as though you might throw up after looking at this picture, it's okay. I understand. Let us feel sick together.)

I’ve heard great things about it. It’s wonderful. Or so people say. (Apparently I’m more cynical than usual tonight). And like…I get it. I get how amazing it would be to have someone that will love you forever, unconditionally, without judgement. Like in Twilight. Edward really loves Bella, and it’s super sweet and we all wish that we will one day find that type of love (if it really exists). Look, I’m not a stranger to the love thing. And it’s great. I guess. But like…MUST all you loved up couples show it in public? You don’t need to touch constantly. You don’t even need to be near each other all the time. They know you’re there. Unless you’re going to high five them for an awesome joke, stroke their hair/arm like the other couple is doing in an effort to make fun of them and make that couple feel awkward, or touch them in a way that gives a little prelude to what’s going to go down later that night, just don’t. It’s weird for all the other people around (and I have people that think similarly to back me up – thanks Rio). It’s especially weird for those with relationship issues. So just…stop it.

And on that happy note, I’m signing off. I have some romantic comedies to watch.

Love,

Bella

Remembrance Day - 11/11/11

I always find it difficult to write about Remembrance Day, not because I don’t know what to say, but because I have so many thoughts and emotions about it and I don’t know how to convey them to show how much this day means to me.

It’s my fear that people don’t understand the magnitude of what Remembrance Day means as a Canadian. The truth is, without this day and the history behind it, our lives would be catastrophically different. Anyone who values their life, the ability to do whatever and be whoever they want, and the freedom to speak their minds can do so because of the sacrifices that our men and women have given for this great country.

My feelings on Canada’s stance towards immigration are no secret. If you come to this country and are allowed to live here, you are damn lucky and, as such, must conform to OUR ways of life. Those who abuse that right and complain about our national anthem, the focus on Christian ideology, and the perceived lack of respect for different cultures are disrespecting not only the foundation of our country, but the lives of those who fought for that very right to complain. My anger and disappointment in the Canadian government stems from the fear that those who have given their own lives, freedom, and sense of self will ultimately be in vain. It is our job to ensure that that those sacrifices will NEVER be in vain. That they will never, ever be forgotten.

The men and women of the Canadian military not only suffered physical wounds or died for their country, but they also live with the mental scars that war etches in their minds. Post traumatic stress and depression plague more service men and women than is widely known – just because physical wounds heal does not mean that the mental wounds of witnessing death and destruction heal, as well. The effect of war does not end with Armistice Day – just as we still reap the benefits of their sacrifices, so too do the military men and women feel the impact of all they saw and did. They suffered so that we don't have to.

Bravery comes in all forms. For every single person who fought and continues to fight, their families and friends are left behind to get through each day with the fear that, one day, they might hear their worst nightmare confirmed – their loved one is never coming home. To be strong in the face of that fear is a battle in itself.

I don’t know if I will ever find the words to show thankful I am to our veterans and active duty military personnel, or how proud I am to be Canadian. I can only hope that each and every Canadian never forgets the sacrifices that Canadians before them gave so that we can live free.

Lest we forget.

Love,

Bella