Some Veterans and Fireworks just don't Mix

Image from: Releasing The Past

I'm a Canadian, and I've grown up with a healthy love for the Military home and Abroad. I remember vividly being a young squirt, laying spread eagle on the floor, and watching my parents tv. I was completely captivated by Lt.Dan in Forrest Gump. I wanted to be a Marine. Mind you I was a young kid and I wasn't able to link Marines up with America, I mean I could hardly tie my shoes. However as I grew, my dreams changed but my love for the military and it's servicefolk and veterans has remained.

With the 1st of July( Canada Day) and the 4th of July( Independance Day:USA) there are going to be a lot of fireworks. However not everyone enjoys them, some veterans because of PTSD end up in terrifying flashbacks of warzones, danger and losing their brothers in arms. Fireworks after all are essentially very colourful, non-destructive and pretty bombs.

If you live in an area where civilians can set of their own fireworks, and you know or possibly think you may have a veteran in your area. Try and gather all the neighbours wanting to set of their fireworks together and have a big show away from the homes. If this isn't possible, maybe you and your neighbours could each chip in 5$ or 10$ and gift your neigbourhood with a pair of good noise cancelling headphones and some Dinner on US cash so they can order out and have their own quiet dinner and movie. Take some pictures of your fireworks, print a few out and have the neighbours sign them and gift them to your veteran. They need to know you're in their corner, and you don't think less of them for not quite being able to handle the fireworks.

Now I've always wondered as a community, and knowing what we do about PTSD and the effects it can have on people. Why haven't we organized and put into place a night of fun for our local veterans ( and their family) where the noise associated with the 4th of July & Canada Day would be muffled or kept at a minimum? Maybe a night at the movies where a family funny, non-violent film ( New or Old) could be shown. It's just a thought, maybe you'll be the one in your area to start something like this.

Long story short, please respect your veterans and some of the mental scars they carry over these two holidays.

-H

Eastbound: Road Trip Essentials.

In August, I'll be rolling out and headed for the East Coast. The Canadian East Coast is home to the finest hospitality a person could ever encounter. I've been out that way in the past, as a mere 10th grader touring and doing Acrosport performances with my high school team ( good times). We'd made it all the way out to Prince Edward Island, home of the great P.E.I Potatoe. That dirt is also really red.

Not much has changed since that last trip and the one I'll be embarking on in August. One thing thats changed, I definitely can't eat McDonalds three squares a day for an entire trip. I'm still not completely sure how I lived on such a diet every tour. We'll pack a handful of EasyLunchBoxes with snacks, sandwiches and any controbaned Candy my Dad and I sneak in. We have the Classic and Urban Sets. They've survived my abuse for an entire college year, and my Dad's day to day work life. They'll do fine on the road.

One thing that'll never change, when I travel I need my own pillow and a sleeping bag. If I had my way, we'd bring tents and go camping when stopped for the nights. However, my sister doesn't camp. I'm sure her idea of camping is a Howard Johnson with nature wallpaper and Wifi. However I don't really like hotel bedding, it's not a gemaphobe hang-up. I just like my own blanket to remind me of being home. In a perfect world, I'd be rocking an American League MLB sleeping bag from Pottery Barn Teen with the equally awesome pillow case.

(  These could look awesome in Pool outside with a White and light blue striped inside and Purple outside and light grey and white striped inside. I know a lot of young women and girls who love baseball and would love to have something like this)

Road trips are the best time to get caught up on a good book, or re-read an old book you haven't in awhile. I'm going to stop at the library just before I go and pick up a few Brian Jacques Redwall novels. They've been a long-time favourtie of mine.

Naturally a college/ high schooler is going to automatically pack their iPhones, Laptops, iPods, Nintendo DS and things like that. I'll have my computer with me for sure and my phone.....I don't want my parents to get lost and not be able to find me and by them I mean me. I also like to find away to cram my baseball glove, a few baseballs, A frisbee and my skateboard into the mix.

What stuff do you bring on your roadtrips?

Job Hunt Blues

 The school year is over, you could be in college, or you might just be a high schooler. You'd like a little pocket money, perhaps your saving for your next year of school and you've been hunting for a job none stop. Except nothing is turning up. I've been there a time or two. Let's just call it the job hunt blues.


Your parents are all over you, they might say you're lazy or offer less than helpful tips about things you need to change in oder to land a job. Then there are times they'll mention their friend so and so's son of daughter who's landed a part-time job at the ice cream parlor.  At times they might even tell you to just walk into the store, and except you to be employed. Don't be mad they're from a different time, and those times have changed. However take some of what they say to heart. It could help you never know.

Even though you've made all the right steps, you wrote your resume well and it's been checked for those pesky errors. You dress nicely when you deliver it in person, and when you do get an interview. Your handshake is nice and firm and you're using the good manners your parents taught you. Sometimes it just doesn't pan out.

Make sure you never get discouraged or give up. Most things don't come today but next week. Work hard, keep on chipping and you'll land someting eventually. It often takes me a while to land a summer gig, but when I do it's often worth it. I even score some nice clothes or goodies because of a nice employee discount.

Never Give Up!

2015 Summer Essentials 4 Guys & Girls

I always see blogs that are specifically aimed at young women when it comes to topics like fashion, decore. I want to try something different. A blog post that works for both! These are my top summer essentials for guys and girls. I am not a spokesmen for any of these brands.

Guys Button- Down: Aeropostale

Button Downs - A crisp button down is a must have for guys and girls. They can easily be dressed down for late night beach party and dressed up for fancier occasions. They're a versatile piece.

Girls Aviators: Aeropostale

Sunglasses -  Your eyes are important, you might as protect them and be stylish. They can be a great little pop for any ensemble. You pick a style that works for you, something that has you turning your head and going. I look Hot. These ones are from Aeropostale.

Dark Wash Jeans: Aeropostale

Dark Wash Jeans-  Everybody knows jeans are a staple of any season. However it's summer and I'm calling dark wash jeans because of their versatility and parability. A dark pair of jeans can once more be dressed up with a sport coact or blazer and be sophisticated, and the next second be matched with your favourite band-t for those summer music festivals.

24oz Waterbottles: PbTeen

Water bottle- Staying hydrated on those trips to the beach, amusement park or whatever your young heart desires it's import. You might as well have an awesome bottle that reflects your style, that you can use time and again. I think these Pottery Barn Teen are awesome. They also offer them in Camoflauge, Houndstooth, and an unusual geometric design as well.

Library Card - I know it seems kind of silly, but summer is the perfect time to read a good book that you actually want and choose to read. Sure their are eReaders, and iPads to read form. However their is something about reading an actual book outside. You don't loose the screen in the suns gare. Looking through a library, you'll even come across books that catch your eye that you might not have thought about before.


All of these are great things, but the best thing you'll ever need for any summer is imagination and a thirst for adventure. Go out, try new things, learn a new skill, and make some new friends. Create memories that'll last far longer than physical items.

Bedroom Blues

Over the years, I've settled for hand-me-downs and auction finds. I'm the youngest of five children. I've always joked about being the afterthought there are six years between my closest sister and I, and 20+ between myself and my three eldest siblings. It's definitely made for an interesting upbringing, that I would not trade. Though I sometimes wished for a little brother to teach all those cool things too;  The essentials like how to chuck a curve ball and do a belly flop without dying.

Yes: I try to keep it this clean

When I'd asked for a blue and red room when I was 12; what I really wanted was a fire engine red and cobalt. My mother decided alight blue and burgundy were better. I didn't really like it, but I also didn't complain. I was blessed enough to have a roof over my head and a warm bed; I was also tickled happy to no longer be in the pink bedroom my sister left when she moved out.

However, I'm in college now and I'm yearning to redecorate my space to reflect my maturity, while keeping that little edge about me that'll never grow up.  

wood and wire multi basket: PBTeen

I'd really love to put something like this above my TV. I culd corral game controllers, and many other things and it'll really declutter my room.

Star Wars Headphones: PBteen

As somebody who is going to pursue diplomas in both photography and video editing, I'm spending a lot of time with earbuds in or headphones on. What I do like about these Star Wars Rebel Alliance Luke Skywalker headphones, they look good on a wall hook. The orange would pop nicely and it shows of my inner geek.

Industrial Ladder Table Lamp: PBteen

One thing I've never had in my room is a simple table lamp, infact I have busted task lamp that once belonged to my Dad. It still lights but the cord has dropped so the bulb dangles beyong the lampish bit where a bulb would normally nestle. I really like how it's able to accomodate a pair of snowboard goggles, it be nice to use my gogs in the off season as decore.

These are just some ideas that I'd like to see happen in my room. It probably won't happen to day but maybe in time it will.

2015 Summer Bucket List.

I've decided this summer, I'm going to live. I'm going to do things, try things and create memories. I've always been a homebody, outside of the playing field. I've always been fine with summers spent mowing my parents yard, playing a few games of baseball and having a few barbecues. However I want more this year: First thing I need to do.....land a summer job.

1.  Train at The Monkey Vault a few times

2. Ride the Leviathan at Canada's Wonderland

3.  Make S'mores

4. Tie -Dye a T-shirt( I've never done this)

5. Visit a Driving Range

6. Take a Trip to The Scarborough Bluffs

7. Take a day trip to the Royal Ontario Museum

8. Homemade Gummy Bear Popsicles

9. Day Trip to the Canadian National Exhibtion 

10.  Learn to hold my handstands

I'm sure I'll do more things this summer, than what's here. I just wanted to have a few things, that I really want to do.

Take A Shot At Me

Hello, I've decided to create a new blog. I've grown up over the years and I'd like to have something that's a little more me and a lot less about the ramblings of a jaded high school kid.

Let me tell you all a little bit about myself. I'm Canadian and I'm the typical stereotype for it; I love hockey.  I'm can be deep, but I'm not all that complicated. I'm an honours student and finished out this school year with a 90% average over all. That's pretty cool, I haven't always been the strongest of students academically. It just goes to show, that if you work hard enough and really give it your all, things can change.

I'm an athlete,  I enjoy ice hockey, floor hockey, baseball, cheerleading, snowboarding and quite a few other sports. I'm passionate about putting a curb on bullying within schools. I was bullied, alot. I don't think I'd ever want to see another child and young adult have to go through all of that. I secretly enjoy interior design and packing lunch.

I hope you guys stick around.