Apologies on Napkins

Hello, hello!

I'm so sorry that I've been dead to the blogging world - life happened. Anyways, I have a rather exciting update! I don't know if you remember, or if you were following me when I blogged about running the 30 hour famine...That is run by World Vision. I have been in contact with World Vision throughout the summer and into the school year, and am now running a Campus World Vision program at my school (still pending approval from our students' federation), but I'm really excited about it. Not only do I think it's a great organization, but I'm hoping that maybe it will help me in my future endeavours!

However, I'm finding it so difficult to be as good of a person as I would like to be. I've started drinking only tap water in my lovely metal water bottle :) but other than that, I'm seriously slacking and it's driving me crazy! I've come to see that my time management skills need a serious kick in the pants. There's so much I need to do outside of my school work and job requirements and there's so much more on top of that, that I would LIKE to accomplish (none of which is successfully happening). However, I do believe that I can do it, and I do believe that I will do it...not because I have to, but because I really want to.

So I hope that whatever you are doing, or are trying to do, you will stick to it...not because you have to, but because you want to (it makes it that much easier!)

Love always,
Court

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

This post is dedicated to an incredible individual; he was a husband, father, friend, mentor, role model and so much more to so many people. We'll miss you, Chuck. His sudden passing has left so many shocked and asking why.

I have taken from this tragic situation a ray of light, which I believe would make Chuck happy. I have realized something that is often told to us, but not so often lived. Perhaps you have heard this before, but "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why we call it the present - Babatunde Olatunji." I think that is a new concept to truly live by.

If you were to stop and analyze your day, what part, or parts, of it would you be proud to say you did? What memories would you leave with loved ones? What have you left undone?

So with that in mind, I'm making a change. This is my summer. I've already decided to make a health change, but now I'm doing a complete overhaul. I will be living more, loving freely, and laughing often.

It can't be hard to stop and realize, this is it. You aren't guaranteed anything more than this second...
What's your legacy?

P.S. This is my signature music video to tie it all together <3

Dress Rehearsal

Hello, hello, hello!
I cannot believe how long it has been and how terribly I have neglected this blog that I adore so much. Don't worry world, I haven't forgotten that you need saving!

As you have probably figured out through previous blogs, I one hundred percent believe in the power of love. And I believe that love comes in all forms and from a variety of sources.

There's the love of a family member, a friend, a partner, a song, an outfit, a snack, anything. I used to think that love and happiness were intertwinned. If you didn't have love in your life, you couldn't be happy. And I more or less still think that, but I also think that the loss of love doesn't mean you're unhappy, because as I said, there are often multiple sources of love.

I've come to really see the value of my friends; how much I depend on them, and how much they depend on me. I have a friend who reminds me I'm beautiful, one who will always tell me the truth, one who keeps me in check, one who is reliable, one who I can laugh with, and one who I can tell anything to. Now, imagine having friends who have multiples of these qualities... I can't believe how blessed I am. I figure, I am lucky enough to have all these beautifully, kind, and wonderful people in my life, that support me through absolutely everything, that I can answer the phone at 2am, or go for a late night drive, or miss my favourite show. Because those are moments that you can't get back, and those are things that people remember. I know that I can remember everytime someone has been there for me...and everytime someone hasn't. And based on those memories, I know who to call, and who will call me, and I'm so OK with that <3

So this is a "thank you" to every friend out there. Not just my friends, but anyone who is a friend to someone. You have truly made a difference in someone's life, and you really are valued.

I encourage you to love and be loved and to share your love, because it is such a great feeling.
Court xox



"At this moment there are 6,819,199,228 people in the world. Some are running scared. Some are coming home. Some tell lies to make it through the day. Others are just not facing the truth. Some are evil men, at war with good. And some are good, struggling with evil. Six billion people in the world, six billion souls. And sometimes... all you need is one." - Peyton, One Tree Hill

What Can You Do in 30 Hours?

Hello, hello, hello!
I have an exciting update! As a resident assistant at my school, part of my job requirements are to run programs that meet different criteria. One of these criteria is to promote citizenship. My big program right now is the 30 hour famine. Now I'm sure that some of you have participated in high school, but have you ever ran it? Because let me tell you, it's not as easy as you'd think. You have to organize everyone's money, get people excited about it, and help motivate people to stick with it.

What makes it even harder is when you, yourself, can't do it.

I'm a Type 1 Diabetic. I have been for almost 19 years. And being a diabetic, going 30 hours without food isn't the best decision, especially when I'm trying to get my numbers under control, so unfortunately, I'm promoting an event that I can't fully support.

But on a positive note, there's quite a few residents who have actually stuck with it, which is awesome! I always feel really proud when the same students you see partying all the time are involved in events like this. It gives me hope that they are actually capable of growing out of this and that they will make a difference one day.

I've noticed that our residence is very determined to make a difference. The following are events and programs that we've run as a team over the past year;

• Build a School for Africa (We're attempting to raise $15000 to do just that. This has been done through events, concerts, and an empties drive. We're doing pretty good!)
• Hope for Haiti (One of the RAs designed a tshirt that has haiti and the word HOPE across it, which we sold across campus. We raised $5000!)
• 30 Hour Famine
• Alternative Spring Break (We've helped build 2 houses, one in Mississippi, one in New Orleans, and went to an orphanage in the Dominican Republic)
• Diabetes Walk for Hope
• One of our RAs has done two 24hr bike rides. The first was for our Africa fund, the second for Haiti. He's a great person!
• Breast Cancer Run
• Earth Hour concert (That'll be described in a later blog!)

That probably isn't all of them, but it's our big ones. I'm so proud to say that I go to this school and that I work with so many amazing people that are out to make a change. They're super supportive people who, like me, still see the wonder in the world.

I hope you are getting involved and making a difference. I know you're capable!
Love always,
Courtney

Live Like We're Dying

So these thoughts were inspired by a recent trip home and a newly discovered album. I'm an American Idol fan, and really enjoyed the Adam Lambert/Kris Allen face off, as I enjoyed them both. I managed to fall into the Adam Lambert album, and really enjoy it, but never seemed to find my way to the Kris Allen album, even though he was the winner. Well...let me tell you. His album is good. Really good. It's about love and endings and truth. I'm very much in love with his album. So as you can imagine, I listened to his album, A LOT, while I was home recently.

Now for the back story. I went home because it was one of my good friend's birthday, so naturally we were going out to celebrate. That's reason #1 for going home. Reason #2 was simple; I missed home. And as I was lying in bed listening to my iPod the other night, the song "Live Like We're Dying," by Kris Allen came on. This song talks about only having so much time in our lives, and making the most of it, which lead me to this; how many people have I lost in my life, either through death or distance, who probably don't know, or didn't know, how much they meant to me? I'm sad to say that there is quite a few. And I'm not OK with that either. These people meant something and have impacted my life, and I don't know if they'll ever be aware of that.

So I made a decision. No matter how my day is going, no matter what I have to do, I will make sure that those around me know what they mean to me. And here is my challenge to you. Make the world a better place by spreading love. The next time you hang up the phone with a loved one, or the next time you part ways with a friend, tell them you love them, or thank them for being your friend. Sometimes a small gesture such as that can make the difference in that person's life and create a chain reaction of positive feelings. And let's be honest; who doesn't like to hear that they matter?

Love always,
Courtney

And as per usual, I have a video for you :) It's Kris Allen's video for Live Like We're Dying.

Have a Little Faith in Me

I know, I know, it's been a while yet again. Time management is not one of my strongest skills (and since you're reading this, you probably already know that). So I'm sorry. But the beauty of time away is that I have a bunch of thoughts to share!

I have managed to restumble upon faith. And by faith, I mean religion. It was always a part of my childhood, but as I got older and developed my own opinions, it was something that fell by the wayside. But after being in school and on my own for a couple years, I realized I was missing something (besides a regular sleep schedule, consistent motivation, and healthy eating habits). That something was my faith. I've realized that just because I don't agree with everything in the political sense of religion, I do believe that there has to be something more to life; there has to be someone to turn to, something to hold onto when everything else falls apart.

Now don't get me wrong, this isn't me preaching to you to go find God or Buddha, or whichever you choose to believe in, but I am suggesting that you find something to believe in. I feel so much better now that I've opened myself back up to God; I'm stronger, determined, happy, and much more pleasant (at least I think).

Love always,
Courtney

I Believe

First of all, I'm sorry it's been so long. This week has been so so busy! But I'm finally done midterms and don't have any assignments for a little while, so I'm going to pay some more attention to my blog :)

I hope you have been following the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, because boy, they have been amazing. I'm so proud to be Canadian. And I know that it's been discussed a lot, but this topic has been very impactful on me; Joannie Rochette.

She is an absolutely beautiful figure skating, and such a strong young woman. As a former figure skater, I know the intensity that is felt on the ice, as I'm sure many athletes and performers do. But I also know the support that is needed from family and friends. My mother is my best friend, and I couldn't imagine doing what Joannie Rochette has done; I don't know where I would find that strength to perform so beautifully and amazingly, without my biggest supporter there.

I hope that the Olympics have had an influence and impact on national pride, because we're doing great. And I hope that it has reminded people what a little faith, true passion, and a lot of determination can do. I think that's really influential in more ways than winning a medal. I think that faith, passion and determination also make a great leader who has the ability to make a change on their world. Whether you are mentoring a child, cleaning up a park, rallying for a cause, or raising funds, you must believe in your cause and you must believe in what you can do, and you must want to do it. And all this must be done even when you find yourself in the hardest of situations, keep trying, and don't lose hope.

I still believe that we can make a change, and I want you to continue to try.

Love always,
Courtney

Temporary Home

Hello out there.

As some of you may also be experiencing, it's reading week! It's great to be home :) I went out with some old friends from high school tonight, and it was really nice. But it was also pretty strange. We talked about where everyone has ended up over the last couple of years, and we talked about "the old days." It was really interesting to hear who used to be a pot head and is now actually doing really well in their programs and going places. And it's also interesting to hear where people started and where life has taken them. And on a side note, it's also weird to hear who is dating who now (some very unlikely pairings I must say...)

I'm proud to call these people my friends. Some of them have gotten into journalism and want to write investigative articles, some started in a science program and have enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces, and some of them have gone on to study law or go to med school. All of these people are amazing, and I know that we will change the world someday. I never thought I would say that about a LOT of these people when we were in high school, but it's funny how time can have such an impact on us.

It's got me thinking. Do you think we all pave our own paths, or do you think it's pretty much laid out for us already? In my opinion, we pave our own paths. Everyone makes choices, and these choices lead us to where we end up. It's our experiences, how we were raised, who we surround ourselves with, that end up defining us and leading us to make the decisions that we do. Sure, some of us end up "off the path" sometimes, but I believe that we all find our way back. And as cliche as it is, we will always go home, no matter where that is, or what has happened; home will always be our final destination.

Love always,
Courtney

P.S. Check out Carrie Underwood's new-ish video - Temporary Home. It's amazing, and has a great message.

Love Makes the World Go Around

I'm one of those girls. The ones that believe that there's a happily ever after for everyone. I'm still in search of Prince Charming, but I do believe he's out there. I believe that chivalry isn't dead, but that every girl needs to be able to save herself and not rely on her knight in shining armor to come save her everytime. But all-in-all, I believe in love and the power it holds.

I believe that love is what saves us and holds us and strengthens us. I believe that without love, there would be no plot line for movies, there would be no lyrics for songs and there would be no need for a bucket of ice cream, kleenex and chick flicks. I also believe that love conquers all.

I have witnessed that first hand. My parents are the reason that I believe in love. They have been married for almost 24 years, and I'm the only obvious product of that, but I'm proud to be their daughter. I was a pretty smart kid (believe it or not) and was more aware of my surroundings than I probably should have been. But this made me aware of my parents struggles when I was about 15. They went through a rough few years, dealing with high stress situations. But I am so proud to say that they made it through it all, and are stronger than ever.

It's the funniest thing to observe my parents. My mom is a little crazy, but I love her dearly for it. And my dad, he can be a litte cynical, but he's the funniest and most gentle man I know. Sure, they disagree, and there are times when the house is really quiet, but I know that when my mom looks at my dad, her eyes light up, and my dad makes fun of my mom sometimes, but it's those quirks that he adores. I really do hope that I will someday have a relationship close to what my parents have.

But anyways, enough with the sappy personal stuff. My reason for this post is my thoughts on the power of love (Celine Dion anyone?). If you think of some of the most influential people in history, they radiated love; for themselves, for others, for the world. Gandhi fought hard for peace, and sacrificed much of himself in doing so. Mother Theresa was famed as a humanitarian and an advocate for the poor and helpless. Martin Luther King Jr. advanced civil-rights movements, as well as advocating for the poor and ending the Vietnam War. The list could easily go on; Princess Diana, Nelson Mandela, Eleanor Roosevelt, Barack Obama, to name a few.

I think you could easily recognize that these people all had love; for others especially. They all fought to make a change. And I truly believe that if we all loved a little more freely and genuinely, we could start to see a difference; in our interactions, in others actions, in our world.

Just something to ponder over. How much strength do you think love has on change?

Love always,
Courtney

Top 20 Inspirational and Motivational Films

So yesterday I gave you songs about change. Today I give you films to inspire and encourage you. These films are fairly recent and relatable in most cases. You've probably seen some of them, if not most, but take the time to consider their value and message behind them, because I know for me personally, unless it's an assignment or it's been pointed out to really pay attention, I miss the amazing meaning behind the film. I must confess, that I haven't seen all of these movies. I have however, seen over half of them, and the rest I intend to see, strictly out of their reputations. So take a look, and keep on changing the world :)

Love always,
Courtney

1. To Kill a Mockingbird
2. Freedom Writers
3. Radio
4. Coach Carter
5. Milk
6. The Bucket List
7. Philadelphia
8. Gandhi
9. A Beautiful Mind
10. Erin Brockovich
11. Angels in America
12. The Colour Purple
13. Forest Gump
14. Remember the Titans
15. The Pursuit of Happyness
16. RENT
17. The Secret Life of Bees
18. I Am Sam
19. Gone Baby Gone
20. Million Dollar Baby

10 Songs to Inspire You

As you may or may not know, I am a HUGE music junky. I think music is a universal language that can bring us all together and is relatively accessible to most of the world. I think musicians have the power to make a change, be it through their lyrics or through their personal actions. I don't really care what style of music it is, as long as I can sing along to it and relate to it, I'm happy. So I've put together a list of songs that I personally enjoy that I also think have a message behind them. I hope you check them out, and enjoy! :)

Love always,
Courtney

We Are More by Shane Koyczan

I first heard this amazing slam poet, Shane Koyczan, when most of the world probably first heard him - at the opening ceremonies for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. I found this poem to be fantastic because it embodied the good in Canada. I encourage you to listen to it, and also read it to really get the full meaning.
Love always,
Courtney



When defining Canada
you might list some statistics
you might mention our tallest building
or biggest lake
you might shake a tree in the fall
and call a red leaf Canada
you might rattle off some celebrities
might mention Buffy Sainte-Marie
might even mention the fact that we've got a few
Barenaked Ladies
or that we made these crazy things
like zippers
electric cars
and washing machines
when defining Canada
it seems the world's anthem has been
" been there done that"
and maybe that's where we used to be at
it's true
we've done and we've been
we've seen
all the great themes get swallowed up by the machine
and turned into theme parks
but when defining Canada
don't forget to mention that we have set sparks
we are not just fishing stories
about the one that got away
we do more than sit around and say "eh?"
and yes
we are the home of the Rocket and the Great One
who inspired little number nines
and little number ninety-nines
but we're more than just hockey and fishing lines
off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes
and some say what defines us
is something as simple as please and thank you
and as for you're welcome
well we say that too
but we are more
than genteel or civilized
we are an idea in the process
of being realized
we are young
we are cultures strung together
then woven into a tapestry
and the design
is what makes us more
than the sum total of our history
we are an experiment going right for a change
with influences that range from a to zed
and yes we say zed instead of zee
we are the colours of Chinatown and the coffee of Little Italy
we dream so big that there are those
who would call our ambition an industry
because we are more than sticky maple syrup and clean snow
we do more than grow wheat and brew beer
we are vineyards of good year after good year
we reforest what we clear
because we believe in generations beyond our own
knowing now that so many of us
have grown past what used to be
we can stand here today
filled with all the hope people have
when they say things like "someday"
someday we'll be great
someday we'll be this
or that
someday we'll be at a point
when someday was yesterday
and all of our aspirations will pay the way
for those who on that day
look towards tomorrow
and still they say someday
we will reach the goals we set
and we will get interest on our inspiration
because we are more than a nation of whale watchers and lumberjacks
more than backpacks and hiking trails
we are hammers and nails building bridges
towards those who are willing to walk across
we are the lost-and-found for all those who might find themselves at a loss
we are not the see-through gloss or glamour
of those who clamour for the failings of others
we are fathers brothers sisters and mothers
uncles and nephews aunts and nieces
we are cousins
we are found missing puzzle pieces
we are families with room at the table for newcomers
we are more than summers and winters
more than on and off seasons
we are the reasons people have for wanting to stay
because we are more than what we say or do
we live to get past what we go through
and learn who we are
we are students
students who study the studiousness of studying
so we know what as well as why
we don't have all the answers
but we try
and the effort is what makes us more
we don't all know what it is in life we're looking for
so keep exploring
go far and wide
or go inside but go deep
go deep
as if James Cameron was filming a sequel to The Abyss
and suddenly there was this location scout
trying to figure some way out
to get inside you
because you've been through hell and high water
and you went deep
keep exploring
because we are more
than a laundry list of things to do and places to see
we are more than hills to ski
or countryside ponds to skate
we are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait
we are first-rate greasy-spoon diners and healthy-living cafes
a country that is all the ways you choose to live
a land that can give you variety
because we are choices
we are millions upon millions of voices shouting
" keep exploring... we are more"
we are the surprise the world has in store for you
it's true
Canada is the "what" in "what's new?"
so don't say "been there done that"
unless you've sat on the sidewalk
while chalk artists draw still lifes
on the concrete of a kid in the street
beatboxing to Neil Young for fun
don't say you've been there done that
unless you've been here doing it
let this country be your first-aid kit
for all the times you get sick of the same old same old
let us be the story told to your friends
and when that story ends
leave chapters for the next time you'll come back
next time pack for all the things
you didn't pack for the first time
but don't let your luggage define your travels
each life unravels differently
and experiences are what make up
the colours of our tapestry
we are the true north
strong and free
and what's more
is that we didn't just say it
we made it be.

I found the poem courtesy of the Vancouver Sun online. http://www.vancouversun.com/

Welcome

Hello.

Whether we have or have not met, thank you for reading my blog. I've decided that instead of always talking about making a change in the world, I'm going to start. Just small. But a start none-the-less. I intend to provide you with music, poetry, news, and thoughts to inspire, encourage and support those out there who are also trying to make a change.

A little about me. I'm currenty studying business, specializing in not-for-profit. I intend to get a post-grad in either public relations or event management and go on to work for a charitable organization, planning their events. I am a type 1 diabetic, of 19 years. I believe in the beauty each day has to offer and I continue to see the best in people, despite experiences I have.

I hope that I encourage and inspire at least one person to attempt to make a difference. Together we can. This is our world and only we can save the future.

Love always,
Courtney