"Times of great calamity and confusion have ever been productive of the greatest minds. The purest ore is produced from the hottest furnace, and the brightest thunderbolt is elicited from the darkest storm."
- Charles Caleb Colton
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
2011 - A Year in Review
2011 was such an amazing year.
The year of trips.
Orlando, Miami, Key West, where I met a state trooper named Rene.
NOTL with my extended family.
Ottawa.
New York City.
Camping.
Detroit.
Edmonton and Drumheller, where I walked with the dinosaurs and conquered rocky hills.
Buffalo. And then Buffalo again. And again. And again. And AGAIN. I never want to go there ever again.
Banff and the mountains to end my year surrounded by family and friends.
Calgary to watch the WJHC.
Love is in the air.
My friends got engaged.
I went to weddings. A lot of weddings.
The eldest Ali sister got married.
Life.
The return to a job in healthcare.
Leafs games. Once even with the parentals. Never make the same mistake twice.
Amazing Race: Season Two. Being photographed by a stranger and being asked for an autograph. Great participants, amazing volunteers.
Eating in the dark with some of the best people I know.
Someone brightening my day by singing for me on countless occasions.
Finally learning to drive.
Missing the Toronto earthquake, again.
Saying goodbye to old friends and making new ones along the way.
Amazing days, amazing nights with my family and closest friends. Talking all night and sleeping all day.
Being loved by someone unconditionally.
Dancing. Lots of unplanned, uninhibited, crazy dancing.
Falling in love.
Thankful for an amazing 2011. Love and respect to all those responsible for making it what it was. Looking forward to what the future has in store.
2011 - A Year in Review
2011 was such an amazing year.
The year of trips.
Orlando, Miami, Key West, where I met a state trooper named Rene.
NOTL with my extended family.
Ottawa.
New York City.
Camping.
Detroit.
Edmonton and Drumheller, where I walked with the dinosaurs and conquered rocky hills.
Buffalo. And then Buffalo again. And again. And again. And AGAIN. I never want to go there ever again.
Banff and the mountains to end my year surrounded by family and friends.
Calgary to watch the WJHC.
Love is in the air.
My friends got engaged.
I went to weddings. A lot of weddings.
The eldest Ali sister got married.
Life.
The return to a job in healthcare.
Leafs games. Once even with the parentals. Never make the same mistake twice.
Amazing Race: Season Two. Being photographed by a stranger and being asked for an autograph. Great participants, amazing volunteers.
Eating in the dark with some of the best people I know.
Someone brightening my day by singing for me on countless occasions.
Finally learning to drive.
Missing the Toronto earthquake, again.
Saying goodbye to old friends and making new ones along the way.
Amazing days, amazing nights with my family and closest friends. Talking all night and sleeping all day,
Being loved by someone unconditionally.
Dancing. Lots of unplanned, uninhibited, crazy dancing.
Falling in love.
Thankful for an amazing 2011. Love and respect to all those responsible for making it what it was. Looking forward to what the future has in store.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
@mhaque, the confused man
me: its always nice dressing up and being girly
mhaque86: i get that feeling sometimes
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The best of Twitter
Ive been listening to my aunts talk for the last 15 mins about some ppl I thought we knew. Theyre talking about a soap opera - @itsMaiya
--
Ive been listening to my aunts talk for the last 15 mins about some ppl I thought we knew. Theyre talking about a soap opera - @itsMaiya
(response) DO IT!! What do you have to lose?! Only gains Maiya! Only gains!!!!! - @aeliya_h
--
" I don't have SAD, I have MAD no no wait I have HAD " quoting @saimafa - You lost me at MAD - @aeliya_h
Saturday, April 23, 2011
A day with @iamsakina
Shit Saima, shit!
I have a thing for burgers
I still don't have data cause I live in 1965
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Toronto, where we get no sunlight for three months of the year.
Ali Abidi says:
I say:
Ali Abidi says:
I say:
Ali Abidi says:
I say:
Ali Abidi says:
I say:
Ali Abidi says:
I say:
Ali Abidi says:
I say:
Ali Abidi says:
I say:
Ali Abidi says:
I say:
Ali Abidi says:
I say:
Ali Abidi says:
I say:
Ali Abidi says:
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Best text ever
Today is another day. So new start with lots of kittens to eat and tons of sand available for either exploring or eating. Lol.
- Nav
- Nav
Friday, April 15, 2011
Just got a birthday present from my baby sister! Poem + pic attached
(She wrote me a poem to go along with the present! Awww, I love you SARWAT!)
Token of love, from your sister and friend ♥
A birthday gift that is long overdue,
Though picked out especially for you.
Our three favourite heroes are back again,
but sadly their journey is coming to an end.
With something you can't catch at Famous Players,
and the comfort of home,
I hope you'll enjoy the love that is shown.
A little present from your sister a friend,
To show that this bond can never end.
♥
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Oh, those arrogant Americans
(Disclaimer, the other person is an American lol. Also, I have nothing against Americans!)
I say:
i wish you were driving here
so the Km/h limits would confuse the heck out of you
Ali Abidi says:
haha theyre on our cars as well
we have both m/ph and km/h
I say:
yes but its much smaller
so confusing
Ali Abidi says:
yeahhh
eh id get used to it
hahaha
just like how ill get used to you guys
I say:
excuuuuuuuuuuuuuse me
theres nothing to "get used to"
Ali Abidi says:
ohhhhh wow
canadians arent known for being arrogant
leave that to the americans lol
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Amazing Race: Toronto 2. June 11, 11. Trailor #1.
Holy shaky hands! Best I could do as the organizer, and only equipped with an iPhone cam!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
It's all fun and games until somebody gets burned with hot oil
(talking of pending weddings)
abido: I best be invited to yours!
abido: Sheeesh
Saima: inshallah
Saima: whenever that day is upon us
Saima: remember to hit me with something hard
Saima: to make sure im in the right state of mind
Saima: hahaha
abido: Lol silly
abido: i would be glad to do that though
abido: Lol
abido: Im thinking frying pan
Saima: with hot oil still in it?
abido: Your preference lol..
Saima: how thoughtful lol
abido: Gotten keep all options open
abido: I also have baseball bats cricket bats hockey pucks..etc
Saima: abuse is never the right option!
abido: of course not!
Saima: loooool
Saima: its all fun and games until somebody gets burned with hot oil
abido: Lmao
abido: Guess ur not gonna be the cook
Monday, March 21, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Happiness
Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.
- Groucho Marx
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
2010 Winter Olympics - Questions about/to Canada from the rest of the World
I got the following from a forward sent to me, so I can (unfortunately) not take any credit for any of it. Enjoy!
Now that Vancouver will be hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, these are some questions people from all over the world are asking. Believe it or not these questions about Canada were posted on an International Tourism Website.
Obviously the answers are a joke; but the questions were really asked!
Q: I have never seen it warm on Canadian TV, so how do the plants grow? (England)
A. We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around and watch them die.
Q: Will I be able to see Polar Bears in the street? (USA)
A: Depends on how much you've been drinking.
Q: I want to walk from Vancouver to Toronto - can I follow the Railroad tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it's only Four thousand miles, take lots of water.
Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in Canada? (Sweden)
A: So it's true what they say about Swedes.
Q: Are there any ATM's (cash machines) in Canada? Can you send me a list of them in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton and Halifax? (England)
A: No, but you'd better bring a few extra furs for trading purposes.
Q: Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Canada? (USA)
A: A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe Ca-na-da is that big country to your North...oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Calgary. Come naked.
Q: Which direction is North in Canada? (USA)
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.
Q: Can I bring cutlery into Canada? (England)
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.
Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA)
A: Aus-t ri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is...oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Vancouver and in Calgary , straight after the hippo races. Come naked…
Q: Do you have perfume in Canada? (Germany)
A: No, WE don't stink.
Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Where can I sell it in Canada? (USA)
A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.
Q: Can you tell me the regions in British Columbia where the female population is smaller than the male population? (Italy)
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.
Q: Do you celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada? (USA)
A: Only at Thanksgiving.
Q: Are there supermarkets in Toronto and is milk available all year round? (Germany)
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of Vegan hunter/gathers. Milk is illegal.
Q: I have a question about a famous animal in Canada, but I forget its name. It's a kind of big horse with horns. (USA)
A: It's called a Moose. They are tall and very violent, eating the brains of anyone walking close to them. You can scare them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking.
Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you will have to learn it first.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Jee shucks RBC, you shouldn’t have!
I went by the apartment today to drop off something for my tenant and pick up any mail that may have accumulated. I noticed there was a sticker on the mailbox indicating a delivery, so I went by the concierge and signed for it.
Imagine my surprise when I open the small envelope and see not one but two RBC Visa gift cards from Michel Savoie (see previous post)! Included was a note that reads:
As I mentioned in my previously, I was really happy at the attention I received from Michel at RBC and his attempt to resolve the matter. Getting a personalized hand-written note in the mail (along with gift cards) shows a real dedication to customer service. Thanks RBC, I’m going to go out and buy another pair of boots all because of you!
Imagine my surprise when I open the small envelope and see not one but two RBC Visa gift cards from Michel Savoie (see previous post)! Included was a note that reads:
Hello Saima,
Just wanted to send a little extra thanks for being an RBC Client! Should you ever have any other issues, don’t hesitate to contact me directly. Have a happy holiday season!
Regards,
Michel Savoie
As I mentioned in my previously, I was really happy at the attention I received from Michel at RBC and his attempt to resolve the matter. Getting a personalized hand-written note in the mail (along with gift cards) shows a real dedication to customer service. Thanks RBC, I’m going to go out and buy another pair of boots all because of you!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Update on RBC Customer Service Situation
After writing my nasty entry on Tuesday, I fired off an edited version of the text to RBC (I did not direct it to any particular department, just used the simple form on their website). Not expecting any sort of response, I was surprised to receive the following email in less than an hour:
Hello Saima:
My name is (omitted for privacy) and I'm very sorry to hear about your experience. As an RBC client, you deserve much better than this. While the poor service you experienced is unusual and not the standard of our centres, there's no excuse for this kind of attitude on the part of any of our employees.
Holds can be placed on any negotiable item at each branches discretion. In general, hold periods are:
- For cheques and other negotiable items in Canadian or U.S. currency, drawn on a Canadian branch of a Canadian financial institution: 5 business days
- For cheques and other negotiable items drawn on a U.S. bank: 15 business days
- For cheques and other negotiable items drawn on non-U.S. foreign banks: 25 business days
You can find out more on our hold policy on our website, at:
www.rbcroyalbank.com/products/deposits/hold-policy
Your business is important to us, Saima. We hope you'll give us another chance to serve you.
Thank you for taking the time to express your feelings about the service you received. We appreciate hearing from our clients-your comments are vital in order for us to continue improving our service.
We'll be happy to help you again if there's anything else you’d like to discuss.
If you prefer, you can call us at 1-800-769-2555. Also, look for the option to chat live with us on select pages on www.rbcroyalbank.com.
Sincerely,
(Omitted for privacy)
Customer Service Representative
Royal Bank of Canada
Not only did I receive the email, this morning I received notifications that @RBC and @MichelSavoie were following me on Twitter but didn’t pay much attention; it is not incredibly difficult to set up an auto-follow based on certain key-words in the world of Twitter. However, I revisited my previous entry this afternoon and saw that Michel Savoie had read my entry and offered an explanation of his own. You can read it here. Looks like I was wrong.
But was I really? Now my biggest pet peeve is that the CSR on the phone gave me completely different information than what the Teller and internet CSR relayed. Please sort out all company policies before allowing people to communicate with customers.
At the end of it all, I’m a big softie. I’m astounded at not only the attention given to my little blog post, but also the speed at which the people over at Royal responded to it. RBC,I hate you you are forgiven. I’m back to loving my blue debit card.
Hello Saima:
My name is (omitted for privacy) and I'm very sorry to hear about your experience. As an RBC client, you deserve much better than this. While the poor service you experienced is unusual and not the standard of our centres, there's no excuse for this kind of attitude on the part of any of our employees.
Holds can be placed on any negotiable item at each branches discretion. In general, hold periods are:
- For cheques and other negotiable items in Canadian or U.S. currency, drawn on a Canadian branch of a Canadian financial institution: 5 business days
- For cheques and other negotiable items drawn on a U.S. bank: 15 business days
- For cheques and other negotiable items drawn on non-U.S. foreign banks: 25 business days
You can find out more on our hold policy on our website, at:
www.rbcroyalbank.com/products/deposits/hold-policy
Your business is important to us, Saima. We hope you'll give us another chance to serve you.
Thank you for taking the time to express your feelings about the service you received. We appreciate hearing from our clients-your comments are vital in order for us to continue improving our service.
We'll be happy to help you again if there's anything else you’d like to discuss.
If you prefer, you can call us at 1-800-769-2555. Also, look for the option to chat live with us on select pages on www.rbcroyalbank.com.
Sincerely,
(Omitted for privacy)
Customer Service Representative
Royal Bank of Canada
Not only did I receive the email, this morning I received notifications that @RBC and @MichelSavoie were following me on Twitter but didn’t pay much attention; it is not incredibly difficult to set up an auto-follow based on certain key-words in the world of Twitter. However, I revisited my previous entry this afternoon and saw that Michel Savoie had read my entry and offered an explanation of his own. You can read it here. Looks like I was wrong.
But was I really? Now my biggest pet peeve is that the CSR on the phone gave me completely different information than what the Teller and internet CSR relayed. Please sort out all company policies before allowing people to communicate with customers.
At the end of it all, I’m a big softie. I’m astounded at not only the attention given to my little blog post, but also the speed at which the people over at Royal responded to it. RBC,
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
RBC Customer Service Fail
My family and friends tell me when I get really angry, I can be a very mean and nasty person. I certainly hope so, at least in cases where a person whose main responsibility is customer service fails to do so.
As I mentioned earlier, I have finally found a suitor for my lovely apartment. The tenant handed me two bank drafts (or money orders) last night for his deposit. Now, let’s pause here and re-read what I just wrote.
Bank drafts.
Also known as money orders.*
Those things that banks charge you $6.50 for. Each. Oh, and the money is already accounted for once those drafts are made.
Now, my tenant actually works for Bank of Montreal so I assume he has some credibility behind the documents he hands me.
Moving along, I went to the RBC branch at University Avenue and Dundas Avenue this morning to cash in those money orders and transfer the money to my dad. The teller promptly said that he would have to put a hold on both of them for five (5) business days to make them clear. When I asked him why, he said it’s just the way it is, it would be different if I was depositing cash (no shit, Sherlock). He said they were unverified and it takes five (5) business days for them to get cleared by the other financial institution and to make sure everything is legit.
So I left not wanting to give up the drafts because, though I didn’t know much about bank drafts, this sounded a little odd to me. I headed over to the BMO across the street and asked them what their process was. They informed me that unfortunately I could not cash the drafts with them, however any financial institution would just be able to call the branch where the draft was created to verify the account holder’s funds.
After this, I moseyed on back to work and decided to do a little online research about what the reality was. RBC’s website wasn’t too helpful but provided with a phone number I could call. I called Customer Service, not releasing my name or account information, and pretended to be a customer inquiring about what the process to get a bank draft made would be.
The CSR was very polite and told me that most drafts act as guaranteed money and can be cashed by the receiver immediately. If there is any issue, the receiver’s financial institution would call RBC to verify the account holder’s funds. He also mentioned that he personally answers various calls of such a nature on a daily basis. I asked him if there would ever be a situation where the draft could not be cashed immediately and why. He responded by stating if the receiver’s account had any flags from previous transaction, the draft may be held for two (2) business days only.
Hearing this, I told him what had just happened with me at the RBC branch and asked if my account had any flags. After getting my account information, he cleared me for being able to receive bank drafts of the monetary value I had disclosed to him, and stated there should be no problem when I returned to a branch.
I head back over to RBC after hearing this (hopping mad by this time) and spoke to a different teller, outlining the situation. She not-so-politely informed me that the draft would be subject to a five (5) business day hold. I told her what the CSR had told me and she did the following:
Nevertheless, she went to speak with her manager and returned to tell me that they would process the drafts for me just this once but in general, it was a rule that they had to put holds on them. I snidely said that maybe RBC should have better training and education, to which she laughed sarcastically and agreed with me.
Then she went on to say this:
I looked at her in disbelief and asked her why the website would state otherwise. She had no answer, getting pretty upset with my snooty attitude by now (in my defense, I had to spend a good portion of my lunch hour to get this sorted out). She reiterated that I would not be able to enjoy the same privileges of same day deposit again and to please have a good day.
Now, RBC, please explain to me why I should remain a customer to a bank who even though has excellent customer service otherwise, treated me with such disregard in this instance. Forget about me, why does RBC charge $6.50 for a money order or a draft that it itself will not accept as a secure payment method?
I have been a loyal customer since I started depositing the meager earnings of my babysitting job when I was 14 or so. Through high school, university and now my first job, I have stuck by RBC and boasted about your excellent customer service to all. It seems you just don’t care about me the same I did about you.
* RBC distinguishes drafts and money orders by monetary amount attached. Other Canadian banks don't distinguish between them.
As I mentioned earlier, I have finally found a suitor for my lovely apartment. The tenant handed me two bank drafts (or money orders) last night for his deposit. Now, let’s pause here and re-read what I just wrote.
Bank drafts.
Also known as money orders.*
Those things that banks charge you $6.50 for. Each. Oh, and the money is already accounted for once those drafts are made.
Now, my tenant actually works for Bank of Montreal so I assume he has some credibility behind the documents he hands me.
Moving along, I went to the RBC branch at University Avenue and Dundas Avenue this morning to cash in those money orders and transfer the money to my dad. The teller promptly said that he would have to put a hold on both of them for five (5) business days to make them clear. When I asked him why, he said it’s just the way it is, it would be different if I was depositing cash (no shit, Sherlock). He said they were unverified and it takes five (5) business days for them to get cleared by the other financial institution and to make sure everything is legit.
So I left not wanting to give up the drafts because, though I didn’t know much about bank drafts, this sounded a little odd to me. I headed over to the BMO across the street and asked them what their process was. They informed me that unfortunately I could not cash the drafts with them, however any financial institution would just be able to call the branch where the draft was created to verify the account holder’s funds.
After this, I moseyed on back to work and decided to do a little online research about what the reality was. RBC’s website wasn’t too helpful but provided with a phone number I could call. I called Customer Service, not releasing my name or account information, and pretended to be a customer inquiring about what the process to get a bank draft made would be.
The CSR was very polite and told me that most drafts act as guaranteed money and can be cashed by the receiver immediately. If there is any issue, the receiver’s financial institution would call RBC to verify the account holder’s funds. He also mentioned that he personally answers various calls of such a nature on a daily basis. I asked him if there would ever be a situation where the draft could not be cashed immediately and why. He responded by stating if the receiver’s account had any flags from previous transaction, the draft may be held for two (2) business days only.
Hearing this, I told him what had just happened with me at the RBC branch and asked if my account had any flags. After getting my account information, he cleared me for being able to receive bank drafts of the monetary value I had disclosed to him, and stated there should be no problem when I returned to a branch.
I head back over to RBC after hearing this (hopping mad by this time) and spoke to a different teller, outlining the situation. She not-so-politely informed me that the draft would be subject to a five (5) business day hold. I told her what the CSR had told me and she did the following:
1) Asked me for his name
2) Said the Customer Service reps don’t know what actually happens at branches
3) Things have changed
Nevertheless, she went to speak with her manager and returned to tell me that they would process the drafts for me just this once but in general, it was a rule that they had to put holds on them. I snidely said that maybe RBC should have better training and education, to which she laughed sarcastically and agreed with me.
Then she went on to say this:
“Bank drafts are basically the same as personal cheques.”
I looked at her in disbelief and asked her why the website would state otherwise. She had no answer, getting pretty upset with my snooty attitude by now (in my defense, I had to spend a good portion of my lunch hour to get this sorted out). She reiterated that I would not be able to enjoy the same privileges of same day deposit again and to please have a good day.
Now, RBC, please explain to me why I should remain a customer to a bank who even though has excellent customer service otherwise, treated me with such disregard in this instance. Forget about me, why does RBC charge $6.50 for a money order or a draft that it itself will not accept as a secure payment method?
I have been a loyal customer since I started depositing the meager earnings of my babysitting job when I was 14 or so. Through high school, university and now my first job, I have stuck by RBC and boasted about your excellent customer service to all. It seems you just don’t care about me the same I did about you.
* RBC distinguishes drafts and money orders by monetary amount attached. Other Canadian banks don't distinguish between them.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Bye bye apartment
Finally signed a lease renting out the apartment tonight...so sad about it. I know I had moved home already but it was still something that was my own for a whole five years of my life. I just hope my new tenant has as much fun as I did in my old home.
Sniff sniff.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone
Sniff sniff.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Still alive
I'm still alive! Life's been a little crazy lately what with the engagement and life in general. I shall post something substantial soon!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Of conferences and such
This year, I decided to get involved in an annual conference organized and run by Ryerson ITM students. I never participated in any such activities while being in school, and looking back I think that was a huge mistake. Conferences like these are the breeding grounds for new ideas and innovative thinking. It's conferences such as this one that have the brightest minds of our generation as it's leaders and organizers.
That may have been one of my main reasons for volunteering to be a part of this year's event. The head guys are two of the smartest people I've ever met in the industry, including all the professionals I've worked for during my co-op placements. Their thought process and formulation is so beyond what most people our age are capable of (is that too harsh? meh); I'm hoping by spending some time with them and being exposed to their way of thinking, I'll be able to become a little more academic as well.
That may have been one of my main reasons for volunteering to be a part of this year's event. The head guys are two of the smartest people I've ever met in the industry, including all the professionals I've worked for during my co-op placements. Their thought process and formulation is so beyond what most people our age are capable of (is that too harsh? meh); I'm hoping by spending some time with them and being exposed to their way of thinking, I'll be able to become a little more academic as well.
Monday, November 9, 2009
I really miss mom and Shaista.
I know I know, it’s really dorky because it’s only been like 10 days and they are coming back in 16 days (yes, there IS a countdown going!) but the house feels really empty without the two of them. At least we’re coping (kinda sorta, yay for Baj cooking for us!) but Dad seems so lost and lonely hehe. He denies it, but we all know that he really misses mom and being able to tease her like he usually does when he’s home. He kinda wanders around the house, plays his solitaire (like always), sleeps at odd hours, and complains about the food. I do know he is already thinking of ways to bug mom when she comes back though – he seems to be compiling a list of ways to get her aggravated upon her return!
So mommy, Shaista, this post is for you guys. We miss you guys =\
I know I know, it’s really dorky because it’s only been like 10 days and they are coming back in 16 days (yes, there IS a countdown going!) but the house feels really empty without the two of them. At least we’re coping (kinda sorta, yay for Baj cooking for us!) but Dad seems so lost and lonely hehe. He denies it, but we all know that he really misses mom and being able to tease her like he usually does when he’s home. He kinda wanders around the house, plays his solitaire (like always), sleeps at odd hours, and complains about the food. I do know he is already thinking of ways to bug mom when she comes back though – he seems to be compiling a list of ways to get her aggravated upon her return!
So mommy, Shaista, this post is for you guys. We miss you guys =\
Thursday, October 29, 2009
All good things come to an end, our good times ended a long time ago
Main Entry: friendship
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: companionship
Synonyms: accord, acquaintanceship, affection, affinity, agreement, alliance, amiability, amicability, amity, association, attachment, attraction, benevolence, closeness, coalition, comity, company, concord, consideration, consonance, devotion, empathy, esteem, familiarity, favor, favoritism, fondness, friendliness, fusion, good will, harmony, intimacy, league, love, pact, partiality, rapport, regard, sociability, society, sodality, solidarity, understanding
Antonyms: enmity, hate, hatred
I ran into a recent acquaintance last night and the topic of severed friendships came up. We have both attempted to salvage a relationship with a particular person but have both more or less given up. I think to others who are close to situation, it appears as though I simply don’t care anymore and am being hateful by giving up; I disagree. I see how venomous I can become and would rather remove any element that would enable me to act in such a way from my social surrounding. I do not want to be spiteful, and if I continue my relationship with this person, I would undoubtedly become more aggressive (more so than I am already haha).
J. K. Rowling wrote Sirius Black as saying: "We've got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are." I know who I want to be and I am not going to get there without making changes.
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: companionship
Synonyms: accord, acquaintanceship, affection, affinity, agreement, alliance, amiability, amicability, amity, association, attachment, attraction, benevolence, closeness, coalition, comity, company, concord, consideration, consonance, devotion, empathy, esteem, familiarity, favor, favoritism, fondness, friendliness, fusion, good will, harmony, intimacy, league, love, pact, partiality, rapport, regard, sociability, society, sodality, solidarity, understanding
Antonyms: enmity, hate, hatred
I ran into a recent acquaintance last night and the topic of severed friendships came up. We have both attempted to salvage a relationship with a particular person but have both more or less given up. I think to others who are close to situation, it appears as though I simply don’t care anymore and am being hateful by giving up; I disagree. I see how venomous I can become and would rather remove any element that would enable me to act in such a way from my social surrounding. I do not want to be spiteful, and if I continue my relationship with this person, I would undoubtedly become more aggressive (more so than I am already haha).
J. K. Rowling wrote Sirius Black as saying: "We've got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are." I know who I want to be and I am not going to get there without making changes.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Day 1 of the hands-free law in Ontario
Why is it that people are prepossessed to be opposed to any new idea instead of accepting it? Far from any valid data collection, I’ve been observing people in Toronto for the past few weeks and it’s astounding the amount of energy people put into resisting change.
Toronto’s hands-free law came into effect today, preventing drivers from using their hands to answer/place calls, texts, emails, watch videos, use GPS devices, etc. while driving. The discussions surrounding the new law have been plentiful in the past months. My friends and family are included in the group of people who are pretty horrible drivers when they text/talk on the phone while driving, yet insist they can handle any situation that arises. One of my friends from university actually claimed that he didn’t mind the fine and would gladly pay the maximum of $500 if that meant he could answer his phone. WTF? Who the hell do you really think you are? It is this sort of ridiculous of thinking that encourages dangerous and reckless driving that can lead to disastrous events occurring on the road.
It broke my heart to read about the jackass who was driving (impaired) at a speed of 200 km/h by Jane and Finch. (http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2009/10/20/11458696-sun.html) His stupidity killed three people, with one more fighting for their life. His actions affected many more. He has single handed ripped apart families and destroyed the lives of so many affected. Why? Why do people have this notion of their actions not affecting anyone else? Why do people always think that it will not be them who ever gets into any type altercation. Just yesterday, I was in the car with a family member who remarked “don’t worry, nothing’s going to happen…you’re wearing your seat belt right?” I hate when people jest in such manner about such serious matters. Why do people assume that distancing yourself from such a possibility will make it any less real?
Back to the cell phone ban in Ontario, this article talks about drivers who still refuse to comply, whether it be for selfish reasons or because they didn’t know about the new law (bullshit!). The interesting thing is, shouldn’t a human being cognitively realize that multitasking in such a manner (especially by texting and/or emailing while driving) can take away from the act of driving itself and distract you greatly?
Listening to CBC radio in the morning, I heard about a study found that 20% of drivers thought they were exceptional, 60% thought they were above average, and 20% thought they were average. No one wants to believe their driving skills are below average, yet distracted drivers run amok in our society causing irrevocable damage to the people in it. Why are people so opposed to change when it’s being made to benefit everyone?
Toronto’s hands-free law came into effect today, preventing drivers from using their hands to answer/place calls, texts, emails, watch videos, use GPS devices, etc. while driving. The discussions surrounding the new law have been plentiful in the past months. My friends and family are included in the group of people who are pretty horrible drivers when they text/talk on the phone while driving, yet insist they can handle any situation that arises. One of my friends from university actually claimed that he didn’t mind the fine and would gladly pay the maximum of $500 if that meant he could answer his phone. WTF? Who the hell do you really think you are? It is this sort of ridiculous of thinking that encourages dangerous and reckless driving that can lead to disastrous events occurring on the road.
It broke my heart to read about the jackass who was driving (impaired) at a speed of 200 km/h by Jane and Finch. (http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2009/10/20/11458696-sun.html) His stupidity killed three people, with one more fighting for their life. His actions affected many more. He has single handed ripped apart families and destroyed the lives of so many affected. Why? Why do people have this notion of their actions not affecting anyone else? Why do people always think that it will not be them who ever gets into any type altercation. Just yesterday, I was in the car with a family member who remarked “don’t worry, nothing’s going to happen…you’re wearing your seat belt right?” I hate when people jest in such manner about such serious matters. Why do people assume that distancing yourself from such a possibility will make it any less real?
Back to the cell phone ban in Ontario, this article talks about drivers who still refuse to comply, whether it be for selfish reasons or because they didn’t know about the new law (bullshit!). The interesting thing is, shouldn’t a human being cognitively realize that multitasking in such a manner (especially by texting and/or emailing while driving) can take away from the act of driving itself and distract you greatly?
Listening to CBC radio in the morning, I heard about a study found that 20% of drivers thought they were exceptional, 60% thought they were above average, and 20% thought they were average. No one wants to believe their driving skills are below average, yet distracted drivers run amok in our society causing irrevocable damage to the people in it. Why are people so opposed to change when it’s being made to benefit everyone?
Friday, October 16, 2009
Mercatto - 15 Toronto Street
BM, UR and S head to Mercatto on 15 Toronto Street last night for an early dinner. I ordered the Gnudi, which was absolutely divine! There was some spinach and cheese goodness baked in there, and the whole dish was drizzled in some light tomato sauce. Anyhows, the company was great and the conversation (once we got past the other three talking about their work) was very stimulating. It is nights like this that I miss the most after having moved back home.
Still, I’m glad I got out yesterday to meet up with a few very interesting people.
Still, I’m glad I got out yesterday to meet up with a few very interesting people.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Of writing breaks and more...
I haven’t blogged in a while, whether it be on some of my public blogs or on my private one. I’ve had a lot to say, just no drive to put those thoughts into words. I didn’t think about it too much until I came across this post. I used to be very proud of my writing skills when I was younger, acing all my essays and creative writing pieces throughout high school. When I started university though, those abilities have fallen behind. I prioritized organizing my thoughts better and making my point – because who in technology actually cares for how the written word is structured?
I think it’s time to get back to improving my writing though. Becoming better at being more understandable and writing posts that people enjoy reading; becoming more of the person I used to be before university.
In that light, I suppose it’s time to face my greatest failure in the recent past. Meeting with a group of people and finding out that you really aren’t as impressionable as you like to be is a blow to the ego that I had to experience to realize that I need to bring my life back on track. I have certain short-term goals and aspirations, but simply talking and fantasizing about them will not yield any results. Any level of success needs a stable and actionable plan, which I have started to formulate. The next steps are to research and decide which path is best for me, and then start to follow it with all I have.
I think it’s time to get back to improving my writing though. Becoming better at being more understandable and writing posts that people enjoy reading; becoming more of the person I used to be before university.
In that light, I suppose it’s time to face my greatest failure in the recent past. Meeting with a group of people and finding out that you really aren’t as impressionable as you like to be is a blow to the ego that I had to experience to realize that I need to bring my life back on track. I have certain short-term goals and aspirations, but simply talking and fantasizing about them will not yield any results. Any level of success needs a stable and actionable plan, which I have started to formulate. The next steps are to research and decide which path is best for me, and then start to follow it with all I have.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sushi Island, Little Italy, Toronto
AA and I head over to Little Italy last night to try out the infamous Sushi Island for their all-you-can-eat special. He got the Salmon Skin roll and the Green Dragon roll, and I ordered the Salmon Teriyaki roll and Fire & Ice roll. We also got a plate of yam tempura for the table. AA said he didn’t really like his food too much but he isn’t much of a sushi connoisseur to begin with; on the other hand, I had very high expectations for this place. The two rolls I got were very unconventional and had a distinctly non-traditional flavour. Because both he and I had been fasting all day, we really couldn’t each that much and effectively wasted the all-you-can-eat option. I think I’ll revisit it with S who loveees sushi as much if not more than I do, get the sashimi and stick with the traditional rolls.
After having dinner, we head back to my building and hung out on the terrace to enjoy the night view of downtown Toronto. The buildings, the people, the noise...I'm really going to miss this place when I move out.
After having dinner, we head back to my building and hung out on the terrace to enjoy the night view of downtown Toronto. The buildings, the people, the noise...I'm really going to miss this place when I move out.
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