tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48134692692030902372024-03-13T04:07:58.507-07:00Stories about shoes, life, love and other randoms"Stop defining yourself and just be yourself"- Rachel RampersadRachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-25179597914250740182021-09-23T21:05:00.021-07:002021-09-24T05:28:55.608-07:00Friends in the Time of Covid<p>So it's 12:00am on the 24th of September 2021. Today is a holiday in our lovely banana republic of Trinidad and Tobago.</p><p>I'm unsure why I felt the need to grab the laptop to blog at ungodly hours, even though I've worked all day and I'm extremely tired.</p><p>But I just wanted you all to know that I limed (hung out) with some friends tonight! WOO HOO! Yay for human interaction! I'm not sure at what point in time you're reading this blog. Maybe it's 200 years from now and there's a new human species that's now 'beige'. Maybe aliens have taken over the earth and my blog was a relic of times gone by...</p><p>Anyways, in the year 2020, a pandemic took over the earth and ALTHOUGH there was a vaccine to save us all, there were many of those that refused to take it and further congregate to (as the PM of T&T likes to call it) jackass d ting. We are now well into 2021 and the panini is raging, although things seem to be opening up for those of us who are vaccinated and feel relatively safe among each other. There are variants of this disease that can mess with our progress with the vaccine, seeing that the vaccine was only created to treat the OG virus, but nevertheless we are prepared to take the chance to move on. <i>Did I just explain the paregoric to a new human species and aliens? Lmao.</i></p><p>Anyhoo... back to what I was talking about. </p><p>So my friends and I hung out tonight... These are the friends that I met at the University of Toronto seventeen years ago! It's funny because one of the friends in the friend group I thought was a SUPER bitch and I remember relaying this to my friend from Dubai, who said "Rachel are you dumb? 'so and so' is the nicest person you'll ever meet". It wasn't until I actually came to a trini lime and I interacted with her I had to say, "Wow. You really cannot judge a book by it's cover." She was genuinely the sweetest and most sincere person I've met. Since then we became inseparable and we've also become attorneys today, with her being the advocate attorney sometimes on my cases. </p><p>But meeting my friends tonight, it was as though time had never separated us, even though we rarely get to see each other anymore. There's been love and loss, pain and heartbreak and many other situations that this panna cotta has thrusted us into, but it's good to know that your inner circle will always be there to support you. <br /></p><p>My actual best friend (I've spoken about her in the blogs before) is moving to Antigua and Barbuda tomorrow, to work as their Chief Climate Officer, as part of the Commonwealth Secretariat. She'll be attending all those fancy dancy UN Climate conferences and similar events, which I know is a dream for her. She and I also met at the University of Toronto, but it's funny because I actually met her through my ex, back in the days of ICQ (uh oh). I would say from the moment we met, I knew this girl was going to be my friend for life. From the uni days of sitting in Tim Hortons, singing loudly 'cyat lick d butter' and scaring all the asian and white students, to founding the club 'Students for Sustainable Development' and now seeing her off to change the world... This is all heartwarming for me.</p><p>I'm an only child, so my circle is small and tight and I love to see them prosper.</p><p>I usually try to find inspiration on the innernet for blogs, but tonight I just thought I'd speak from the heart. <br /></p><p>Til my next post! <br /></p>Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-87910429792883932572021-09-20T07:11:00.007-07:002021-09-21T07:08:40.250-07:00Pandemic Musings<p>Hi guys!!! How have you all been? As you can see, I am still alive and kicking. I've also been FULLY VACCINATED <i>ifyouplease</i>. </p><p>So yes I've been away for a couple of years, but I see in my stats that we are over 35,000 views? WOW. Thank you for continuing to read while I was away, this is heartwarming.</p><p>To be honest, I've just been busy lawyering this whole time. Sometimes we have so much drafting and writing to do that, sometimes it's hard to glean inspiration to just write random musings. But if you will read, I will continue to write. Pinky swear. <br /></p><p>Also I know it's been a really tough year for some, with families losing loved ones and so on. Even one of my exes passed away recently. I mean in reality he was a real kakahole (in trini parlance) in our relationship, but I was sad and I felt sympathy for his wife and kids. It's a weird thing to imagine that someone you dated has died. That was a new emotion that I had to learn to process. </p><p>What else has happened in the pandemic...hmmm... well I picked up new shows, like Never Have I Ever, Bridgerton, all Marvel things etc etc. Ugh...</p><p>Listen this post will probably be like the pandemic- just boring LOL.</p><p>I promise I will hit you guys up with new, exciting and funny topics in the future. So stick around for those adventures.<br /></p><p>But for now, take care of yourselves and your families, get vaccinated, sanitize and social distance.</p><p>Til my next post!<br /></p><p><br /></p>Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-25438547519522920742018-07-02T10:11:00.003-07:002021-09-21T07:07:22.200-07:00I did it! Trinidad Bar Call 2018!Hi guys,<br />
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Thank you all for your continued support of this blog. I'm still so surprised when I check the stats and I see people reading it. It means a lot. I guess the reason I don't post as often, is due to the high demanding brain power of my profession. I usually go home mentally drained, which encourages me to watch brainless programming such as the Kardashians and Ian Alleyne (the trini version of COPS), much to the dismay of the people around me. I'm often met with statements such as <i>"you are not deep"</i> or <i>"you don't watch anything intellectual"</i>. But believe me this is not the case. I need to wind down when I come home. I need to switch the brain off!<br />
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Anyhoosles... so right update time!<br />
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I got called to the bar! Now I am <i>YourHighnessYourMajestyYourHonourMsAttorneyAtLaw </i>...but seriously that's how I felt when I took the oath...lasted all of 1 week I would say. It's nice to be lawyer but lawyering is hard work. I often take the work home and work through the weekend. But it's been really fulfilling and my senior is a lovely, helpful lady. It is so surreal that all these years of studying and hard work finally culminated into something real!<br />
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However... it's scary as hell!<br />
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I remember going along to a case in the High Court once, where I heard a judge tell an attorney to go back to law school. I really felt bad for her because the judge was asking her questions that she simply did not know. She began fumbling through her file for a good 5 minutes before the judge stood the matter down and told her to go outside and gather herself. Her client who was seated at the back of the courtroom looked very displeased. I began sweating. Would this be me? Would I be embarrassed in front of my client in court? I'm a baby lawyer, there's so much I don't know!!! I began contemplating if maybe I should pursue a corporate lawyer job where I never have to step foot in a courtroom.<br />
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Oh well... Let's see where the future takes me!<br />
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I promise to keep you all updated- some entries may be life updates like this, or some may be funny entries...however I feel inspired!<br />
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Also apparently because you guys actively read, I got the opportunity to possibly monetize this blog. Exciting news for your girl!<br />
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Kaanita, Chevonne and Aurora my girls for life... I dedicate this post to you guys, because you encourage me to write. *hugs*<br />
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Til my next post!<br />
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Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-36363830381754166082017-11-20T08:07:00.000-08:002017-11-20T11:38:48.895-08:00Random Monday MorningSo a really random thing happened to me on the way to work this morning...<br />
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I should start off by saying that because I leave my house, which is kinda between central and south Trinidad, at such an early hour, I tend to encounter characters that seem to emerge from the underbelly of Port of Spain. Mind you, if I come into Port of Spain anytime after 8:00am, they always seem to go back from wherever they came. In general, I tend to attract these kinds of characters, because maybe I myself, am a character.<br />
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I should also say that my ethnicity is Indian. Daughter of indentured labourers from India that came over in the 1800s. That's what I've been told up to this point and I'm sticking with it, at least until I do one of those www.ancestry.com DNA tests.<br />
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Anyways...so I'm walking along the street heading to my office and I see a man who was probably in his 70s, wearing tattered clothing. He may have been a vagrant, or hipster...it was hard to tell. We will call him 'Mr. Street Man'. So a gentleman that was walking in front of me said "Good morning, sir" to which Mr. Street Man said "Good morning my brother". I thought to myself that I would tell Mr. Street Man good morning as well, because my mom taught me to be courteous to my elders. So I said, enthusiastically, "Good morning, sir!" I think he was a bit taken aback by this because I got the impression that people don't really greet him far less greet him with such enthusiasm. He then says the most random thing I ever heard... "Good morning african sista!" ..........................................<br />
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I did not expect that response, so it definitely tickled my funny bone. Have you ever been in a serious situation and you wanted to laugh at something and you had to hide it under your breath? Yup. I literally had to hold the laugh until I got into the office building and as soon as I stepped in I just LOLed.<br />
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Ok so here's the thing...I felt very proud that he called me that because African women are very beautiful and bootiful...and I've gotten a bit of a booty recently because I used to climb all those double decker buses in London.<br />
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So the moral of the story is, that although I'm proudly Indian, I'm also proud that I can pass for any of the other beautiful races on the island. I relayed the story to one of my friends and her response was 'Well it’s love all around'. And that it is.<br />
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Til my next post...Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-22264430658123894912017-11-16T09:09:00.001-08:002017-11-16T11:27:10.118-08:00The Professional WorldHi you guys!<br />
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2 posts in 2 days? What sorcery is this? So just an update: I did return from London. I felt like my time there had expired. I was ready to pack up and phone it in...I'm definitely not going back there in a hurry. And there was nothing wrong with London per say, it's just that for me, I enjoy the place I'm in when I am surrounded by the people I love, which wasn't the case in London. I did however have one really good friend (who happened to be trini)...here's the link to her <a href="https://twitter.com/aurorakherrera">twitter</a> , she's super amazing. And despite having a very tough year, I managed to complete the LPC, with very good grades. Ambition and determination people, that's what it's about. Hashtag #slytherin<br />
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So here I am, back in my lovely banana republic, getting readjusted to island life, which mind you is way more hectic for me because it takes me twice as long to get anything done. For instance, if there is an errand I have to run, I may have to clear up an entire half day to do it. No es bueno :( ....Also traffic? Hello? At no point in my life did I ever train my body to be up at 4am and out of the house by 5. MEH! This has also started my love/hate relationship with the capital city. It's cool to be among the action but is it worth never sleeping again?<br />
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I've also started my legal intern-ship at <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A VERY POPULAR LAW FIRM</u>, hence why I leave the house at ungodly hours. The first moment I stepped through the door I felt a sense of privilege....not privilege in the prideful way, but <i>PRIVILEGED </i>that they even offered it to me. However that was immediately dashed when I got actual work to do and I realised how very little I know. Every assignment given to me always starts off with a tightening of the chest, followed by panic and descent into anxiety, then I breathe and give myself a 15 minute pep talk. Somehow or the other I manage to scrape something together though. I guess that's the skill they're trying to teach the interns, how to work under pressure.<br />
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I also don't take for granted that I'm learning from some of the best on the island. I guess the thing about working with these caliber of lawyers is that they expect <i>YOU</i> to be the best, which I'm far from being. But what I've learned from the short time being in this field is that unless you've been in it for umpteen years, there will always be a learning curve, and there will definitely be panic. I think the best way to describe a lawyer is 'a person who knows exactly how to roll with the punches.'<br />
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I've also learned that's it's ok to just take a moment and breathe no matter how hectic the day is. That's why on my lunch break I'm blogging, even though I have ALL THE DEADLINES. You must always give your mind a moment to relax and find it's balance. I have a long way to go so it doesn't make any sort of sense to go crazy so early in the game.<br />
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So that's it for now my people. Look out for some more stories about life and other random blog things. I can't believe our little community has now crossed 31000 views. HOLY CRAP.<br />
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Til my next post...<br />
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Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-75496835462463003282017-11-14T07:22:00.001-08:002017-11-14T09:00:42.589-08:00MacBook Pro RantHi peeps!<br />
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It was about time I updated this blog. According to my handy dandy page viewer thingamabob, we've crossed 30000+ views. In a world that is now obsessed with 'vlogs', I am amazed that you guys are still reading my blog and for that I am grateful. It's good to know that writers and bookworms still have a place among this YouTube creator generation. Although I have changed careers, my want for being a writer has never wavered. Maybe one day I'll leave it all and build a farm in a rural community and spend my days in serenity just writing...but for now you know your gurl has got to make that paypah!<br />
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Anyhoo, there was something that was resting heavy on my mind that I felt the need to <i>comeoutofanoveroneyearhiatus</i> to discuss. And that is MacBook Pros. I, myself, don't own a MacBook Pro, I own a pretty newish HP, which at the time I bought it I thought it was the coolest thing since sliced bread. It worked incredibly well and fast. I couldn't have bought a more reliable pc. However, when I stepped into the first classroom at my law school, everyone had a bloody Mac. Book. Pro. Why? Was it a status thing? Needless to say I never went back to school with my clunky old third world (apparently) HP laptop...which when I think about it, at the time, I should've still gone to class with, because it deserved better than me treating it like I was embarrassed by it. Because sometimes you gotta live your life by the rule 'function over form'. Instead, I took written notes, which didn't work as effectively for me because I do type faster than I can write.<br />
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All this is to say, be an HP, Dell, Acer, Lenovo, etc etc in a world full of MacBook Pros...because you are the minority and you are still a somebody that is reliable, fast, efficient and deserves a chance to prove yourself. You don't always have to follow the crowd to show your worth.<br />
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Viva la revolucion....<br />
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Til my next post...<br />
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<br />Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-3105593616525536402016-03-07T05:43:00.004-08:002016-03-07T06:15:47.486-08:00Changing LanesHi World!<br />
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It's been so long. Too long since I've posted on here. I would say it's been because I was busy and all that...but the truth is maybe I was just feeling lazy or uninspired. I must thank God that blogging is not my job, like my favorite blogger <a href="http://thebloggess.com/">Jenny</a>, otherwise I would be bankrupt, lol. But here I am, letting you guys know that I am alive. And also that I am addicted to doing fb quizzes and one said that my profession should be a writer, which made me think "<i>oh shit I have to update the blog.</i>" Also my handy dandy page view app has informed me that we have had over 26000 page views, which means that there are a few of you guys out there that like my ramblings...and for that <i>ithankyew</i>.<br />
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Lots of things happened in the past year...yet not much as happened. I know I am full of oxymorons today.<br />
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So what have I been up to. Well in terms of travelling, I went back to Toronto in August, then had a whirlwind adventure in London and Paris. My bff had attended the LSE so you know me, where ever I have friends I will go and galavant! It was extraordinarily wonderful. I marveled at the architecture of Paris. Everything was so intricately done, even down to the minutest of detail. What baffled me was the amount of details. Take for instance the picture of the Louvre that I took below. Thousands of tiny detailed sculptings made up this one extensively beautiful building. And it wasn't just the museums; this was a common theme with most buildings in Paris. Paris has always been a bucket list item of mine since I was little and I am grateful I was able to go there.<br />
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<i>The Louvre, Paris, France.</i></h4>
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I've also begun to sing again. At one point in time I was part of an amazing band, but because of internal differences and struggles, we stopped singing. It's been 2 years since I had picked up a mic to sing and honestly that whole time there was a void in my life. The group has since decided to get back together, with a few additions and it has been wonderful. This is what my life was missing and I am happy to have it back.<br />
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I'm also moving to England in September. As some of you know I completed my LLB (Bachelor of Law) in 2014, and I have been putting of doing the vocational course that would enable me to be called to the bar for varying reasons. Not anymore. This year I am going to take the leap and go to England to complete the course, as well as my LLM (Masters of Law). I'm nervous, scared and all TOO excited for this new chapter in my life.<br />
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So since I've gotten this re-introductory post out of the way, I will keep you all updated from here on out as to the goings on of my interesting (<i>sarcasm</i>) life.<br />
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P.S. Yes yes I know you all are <i>dyyyyyyinnngggg</i> to know; things are still well with the bf. We've made it past 2 1/2 years *woot*.<br />
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Til my next post...Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-52134229128526850532014-02-04T19:46:00.002-08:002017-11-14T10:31:15.335-08:00Ever Evolving...I find that people my age are questioning who they are. Perhaps that's the thing about turning 30. It's the transition in life when you are not really <i><b>entering</b></i> adulthood, but rather you are actually there. People begin to question all the things that they have not achieved yet...because, of course, your 30s are the landmark period of your life when you must show exactly all you have accomplished, <i><strong>amirite</strong></i>?<br />
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But this blog post was mainly inspired by my friend <a href="http://www.quiettrini.com/">quiet trini</a>, who posted an interesting image on facebook about her past experiences in life and what they represented along the way in her journey. In light of that I will post a similar image, but with two items that kind of contradict each other. See below:<br />
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I've always been a bit of an activist. It's in my blood. I remember being little and my grandfather fighting for the rights of the impoverished and wanting us to do the same. He wanted his grandchildren to be missionaries and go to developing nations and help/heal the world against the tyranny of the money hungry big multi-corporations. In fact, I even did my degree in international development so I could live out that dream. I imagined myself being a Mother Theresa building water wells in rural Africa, surrounded by a myriad of starving children and thinking that I was making an "impact". </div>
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I guess that's why the above photo is so contradictory. Because the 1st part of the image represents exactly what I stood for early in life. Fighting against the "man". Fighting the power. Fighting for freedom and revolution because everyone in this world deserves equality and the right to life. But the 2nd part represents who I have become. Someone who has become a part of the said bourgeoisie culture that she so strongly advocated against. The very same people who strips the land of resources and displace neighbourhoods and pollutes water supplies and natural vegetation. Why? Because at this juncture in my life I want to make money, have a family and be able to save for the future. Does this make me a bad person? I wish there was money to be made in digging water wells, but alas there isn't. In a way I have become content in where I am in life now. Becoming a part of the status quo...</div>
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This made me realise something interesting though. Most people I come into contact with want to have an impact and change the world. So doesn't that mean if we all do a small thing to impact the world, then the summation of it would be a big impact? We all think that we must do something big...when in fact the small things mean the most. Like volunteering in your neighbourhood senior homes and orphanages, or giving career guidance in schools etc. These things not only leave positive impressions on the persons you meet, but it can give you happiness, purpose and focus.</div>
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I do want to be remembered in this world for something good. Even though I've become a part of the corporate world, I still feel that activist inside of me. I want to see the world healed...</div>
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Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-5399145308397626022014-01-20T19:55:00.001-08:002014-01-21T10:04:37.435-08:00Reflections on the past year...Everyone goes through transitions in their life from time to time. Last year began with a major one that pretty much threw me through a loop and ended with an even bigger one. But all in all, these transitions were necessary and I can say I am a much better person.<br />
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The year started with the ending of my longest relationship ever. The experience felt like going through withdrawal and being dragged into rehab. But the relationship had run its course. He knew it. I knew it. The bridges were burnt. I held on because I hate failing and I felt I was just too old to start this process over with someone new. But was that worth getting hurt over and over again? He finally made the mistake of going with another woman. I guess it was at that moment I hit rock bottom and I just realised that enough was enough. I needed to make a clean break and I needed to do it before I turned 30. So when he finally came begging (like most of you men do) I just didn't care anymore. I do believe in 2nd chances, but this was the 20th one.<br />
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One of the things that got me through that rough patch was my grandmother. I remember going to her house everyday after work and listening to her stories about how she got mistreated and got through. Under her house was a hammock that I rocked for hours to clear my head. That was my place of zen and serenity. I felt safe and loved...<br />
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Later in the year my grandmother got sick. She fell down and broke her hip and the doctors were pretty sure that she would be ok. Unfortunately the broken hip left her bedridden and she ended up suffering 2 strokes and finally passed at the end of last year, on my mom's birthday- of all days!<br />
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I always thought my grandmother was immortal. I would often tell her jokingly, that she was a cockroach and she could outlast an apocalypse, because of all the things that she was able to overcome in her lifetime. She defied the odds. She held her family together even though her husband was cheating on her and she had to endure the emotional turmoil. I often wondered how she could maintain such grace under fire and still be funny and love life. I never really understood her stories until I had to stand in her shoes, and when I was going through my crises she never criticized me for the mistakes I made. She would always say "God will bless you, child. I want you to be happy. Being sad now is only necessary to ensure your future happiness."<br />
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I often felt that my grandmother was ready to pass on a long time ago. However, because my mom had cancer, my aunt was divorcing and other members of the family were going through distress, she stuck around to make sure that everyone was ok before she left. After all, she was the matriarch in the family. On her death bed, she told my aunt to keep the family together. To make sure that we saw each other all the time and to keep the bond going. I'm glad to say that we have and we'll try to hold it together, ma.<br />
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As to how I'm going? I'm doing ok. There are good and bad days. She's only been gone a month and it's definitely a transition for me. She was part of my everyday life ever since I was born. Not having her around is definitely a void. However, she suffered a lot and I feel that it would've been selfish of me to want her to stay. In a way it's bittersweet...because I'm saddened but I'm happy that she is not tied to this weakened earthly body. I will always remember the lessons she taught me. Most of all, I will remember to always hold my head high whenever I'm going through trials and to never give up on anything I really want.<br />
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Below is a pic that I took with the new boyfriend at the temple by the sea. We passed to pay our respects to his granddad whose ashes were scattered there. Funny how the serenity I felt at that moment resembled that of being in my grandmother's presence.<br />
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2014 will be more transitions. Hopefully good ones. Universe be kind, please. :)<br />
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Til my next post...<br />
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<br />Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-77709512423264732802013-10-10T12:47:00.000-07:002014-01-21T08:02:29.328-08:00Eek...I'm Dating Someone!Hey guys,<br />
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So just to let you all know that I'm dating someone...finally. Yes. The impossible has happened. And fyi <em>pigsdofly</em>. And to my twitter followers who follow both me and him and have to endure our barf inducing lovey dovey foursquare tweets, I do apologise...in an unapologetic sort of way. <br />
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My love life has been a bit of a struggle throughout the years and a lot of bad decisions have been made in the past. But many douchebags later, I am dating someone who is genuinely a nice person and who seems to really care about me. This is all so strange because apparently I have never (I think) been treated <em>this</em> nicely before. Sometimes questions may run through my mind like is he being genuine? Is this too good to be true? Am I going to do something to screw this up? Will he wake up one morning and not want this anymore? All <em>my</em> insecurities I suppose. And when you are older and have baggage and bad experiences, it's most natural to have insecurities. But I do believe in letting out positive vibes into the universe and the universe will reciprocate. I'm not a perfect person and I've done some questionable things, but I believe I have lived a sincerely good life...so universe, be kind?<br />
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But dating this particular individual has been an amazing experience. We may have some differences of opinions sometimes, but we care enough to resolve them. He does sweet things like buy me puppy bears and chocolates and <a href="https://twitter.com/racheltnt/status/388141550213300224/photo/1">a blu ray of my favourite movie</a> ....and beyond the monetary, he is kind, chivalrous, constantly tells me I am beautiful and even follows me home just to make sure I'm safe. All of which I am just not accustomed to, but very grateful about. <br />
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All in all it's been a fun ride. Just thought I'd let you all know that good things come to those who wait. Hoping this one works out. *cross fingers*<br />
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Til my next post...Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-86427309448518879772013-08-20T15:08:00.000-07:002017-11-14T07:58:17.357-08:00The Gourmet ImposterHi people!<br />
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I know I haven't been on here for a while (I usually start posts like this,<i> geez</i>) but anyhoo it was for a legit reason. I decided to take some time for vacation and I flew to Toronto, DC and NYC. It was awesomesauce! However I got gravely ill and had to come back to Trinidad which ended in surgery and other non-sexy things.<br />
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So I've been home...<i>boredasheck...</i> so I got into the habit of cooking. Now some of you that know me would laugh because I am the least domesticated person out there. But dude, this is how bad things are...and I still have a couple weeks of recovery to go. Go figure.<br />
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Now one of my favourite movies ever is Julie and Julia, which is the story of Julie who decides to spend a year and cook all the recipes from Julia Child's book. I wanted to do that with Rachael Ray's recipes and wittily call it "Rachel and Rachael" but I decided that I don't have the patience to do that shit. Not to mention THERE IS NO FRIGGING WAY that you can cook a Rachael Ray recipe in 30 minutes. I swear to you it takes me goddamn 2 hours to cook her recipes. She never tells you about the prep time man.<br />
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So I've decided to learn to cook dishes from my native land. The sad thing is I can bake and cook very bland americana style food, but trini dishes leave me at a loss for words. For instance, I cooked pelau the other day...and it turned out like mush. Like....... ok I know just disown me now, right? ;( ... And then I tried to cook curried chicken and burned it. Not to mention this whole roti thing. Ent the way to keep a man is to make roti? I guess I'll have to keep a good divorce lawyer on standby.<br />
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But I am trying. I realise one day I will be married and I'm gonna have to take care of a household, one of the important things being able to cook. So I deserve some sexy points for beginning the process to be an amazing cook.<br />
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Addendum: this post was supposed to be about actual food but morphed into something else. Stay tuned for an actual post on food....with pictures and shit! :)<br />
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<br />Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-50429403194215525822013-04-08T08:23:00.002-07:002017-11-17T09:27:18.996-08:00To Burn Book or Not to Burn Book... My work place is interestante to say the least. I've never really worked with these types of characters before. Some are normal...some are straight up PSYc-- urr cool... Yeah. Thank God for one of my besties <a href="http://quiettrini.blogspot.com/">quiet trini</a> , she keeps me sane I think. My other friends describe me as sort of a pterodactyl (yes I had to fricking google how to spell that word, jeesh) because I spend my days being very hyper-strung-flaily arm-y on coffee, while <a href="http://quiettrini.blogspot.com/">quiet trini</a> remains very cool and zen. God bless her soul.<br />
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Anyhoo, for the sake of not getting into trouble I will not name my workplace, because apparently there's a <a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/the_twitter_fire_me_ratings_1yv8uqjpbD0FjYw5DgumxI?utm_source=SFnewyorkpost&utm_medium=SFnewyorkpost">website</a> (eep) that sends out warnings letting you know how fireable you are. And just so you know Rachel Rampersad is just my alias. Duh.<br />
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Mean Girls is one of my favourite movies and not just because it was filmed in one of my old <a href="http://torontoist.com/2006/07/mean_girls_to_w/">lecture halls</a> ...but there is an awesome part about a burn book, which describes negative traits about people in your school and I want to include by extension organisations. <br />
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I always felt like if I did a burn book about work that would make me feel better and that it would put a bit of comedy amongst the tomfoolery I had to face. It would even lessen the blow if I had done it in a book with glitter and puppies on the front because they would trump the harshness of what was inside --> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Oh hai! Cute puppy comments inside. Not harsh work ranting. Moar fluff. *Ruff*</em> </td></tr>
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But alas I can't because it is against company "protocol" and "etiquette". Grump. <em>I know right!</em> <br />
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Then it dawned on me <em>*lightbulb*</em> that work emails are the new form of the "burn book". I realised this last week when there was a detailed back and forth of badtalking between three senior members of staff, who I'm not sure realised that they CCed the whole conversation <em>TOTHEENTIRECOMPANY.</em> :-/ ....anyways incompetency was revealed. I was quite entertained by the whole shtick and my coworkers and I had a good laugh over treats. <br />
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Yay for burn emails! <br />
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Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-21001792740983441152013-01-24T06:10:00.001-08:002016-03-07T06:27:37.347-08:00I zabocar youHey guys,<br />
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Lots of transitions in my life (again). I always begin the new year with the out with the old and in with the new attitude... but this year I do feel like these transitions will be permanent. Call it a gut feeling.<br />
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Anyhoo.....<br />
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I don't really have anything to post on, except that my co-worker doesn't like avocados. Well let me tell you! The whole department kinda came down on her like- ermmmmm....are you for real?<br />
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Then we began listing everything we eat avocados with:<br />
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<em>cheese on bread</em><br />
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<em>crix</em><br />
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<em>dhal and rice</em><br />
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<em>pelau</em><br />
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someone even said<em> beef soup</em><br />
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She sat unimpressed like....ok people don't try to convince me. hehehe <em>*awkward laughter*</em><br />
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Then I decided YES!! I'll come on here and post on the goodness of avocados. And why it is good for you! And <em>*try*</em> to convert the non avocadians with my power of persuasion.<br />
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<em>But alas......</em>I have nothing real to say except avocados tastes damn good. And it's healthy (ish). And it's kinda like Jesus in a way? Because although I believe in the goodness of Jesus, you'll never really know til you try him yourself. <br />
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Yes I JUST COMPARED AVOCADOS TO JESUS.<br />
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Now here's an avocado meme because I have no idea how to end this post.<br />
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P.S. I googled avocado meme and actually couldn't believe <em>people made memes about avocados. </em>But if that doesn't convince you of it's goodness then I dunno what will. <br />
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<br />Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-80451447105377812782012-08-30T09:26:00.002-07:002012-09-01T09:56:29.785-07:00Annoying NeighboursSo I received this incredibly funny email from my cousin and it hit home for me because this is exactly the type of situation that is currently happening between me and my neighbour. I have decided to christen him "jackass of all trades". Read the following email conversation below and have a good laugh because it killed me. RIP me.<br />
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Now if only I had the courage to do what David did... although in my defence I've had the same conversation with my neighbour a thousand times over in my head. *stocks up on poisonous gas and stones*<br />
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Til my next post...Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-19378725322487961232012-08-16T16:50:00.002-07:002017-11-14T08:15:24.106-08:00The ABC's of being Trini...I know some of you suckers out there really love the trini culture so I've compiled a list of the essential things you need to know about being a trini. You're welcome.<br />
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<b>A:</b> All Fours- before javelin and mango pelting became the new trini pasttime, man spent hours playing this tricky game. If yuh never 'hang a jack' then you've never lived my friend.<br />
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<b>B:</b> BWEE. Who the heck says "Caribbean Airlines"? It's fucking BWEE. Yuh may reach yuh destination late and the plane smells like BO but yuh bound to arrive safely.<br />
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<b>C: </b>Coasting...yuh thought I was going to say 'carnival' ent? Why yuh doh hush and watch de new Nicki Minaj video. If yuh want to be a trini yuh must coast. That includes buying the latest trends at Rattans and showing off to yuh friends<br />
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<b>D:</b> Doubles. The most important food group on the island.<br />
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<b>E:</b> Eh? This is what you exclaim when yuh doh really know what de arse going on.<br />
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<b>F: </b>Fresh Woder Yankee. In order to be the best trini you can be, you actually have to pretend you're american. Kardashians anyone? Omigod! :)<br />
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<b>G: </b>Gyad! Girls many men will hit on you....is the best expression to use in those situations.<br />
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<b>H: </b>Horn. Another term used for 'cheating' and another national pasttime.<br />
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<b>I:</b> In trut. If you intend on being dotish then nod your head and say this in agreement. "In trut"<br />
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<b>J:</b> Jeez and ages! You may have heard the bajan version of this "cheese on bred!" This is what you say when you're in disbelief of something. And trust me. You will be.<br />
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<b>K: </b>Kiss mih ass! This is a multi-functional term. You can use it as a verb as in you can tell someone "You can kiss mih ass" or you can use it as an adjective "this kiss mih ass child."<br />
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<b>L: </b>Lick dong. Trini drivers are on another level of crazy and can bounce you down, so be careful where you walk otherwise you will get 'lick dong'.<br />
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<b>M: </b>Macco. You must be able to mind people's business if you want to be a trini. Don't forget to be outraged when people mind yours as well.<br />
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<b>N: </b>Never See Come See. When trinis are newly exposed to something they can overdo the shit. You would actually think to yourself..."am like this man never experience anything like this?" And the answer is no. It's very similar to coasting.<br />
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<b>O: </b>Obeah. This is a dying artform but it's really the only way to ensure your significant other stays faithful.<br />
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<b>P: </b>Plann-ass- beating someone with a cutlass. This way of seeking revenge dates back to the 19th century when dhal belly indian men would beat their women when they stepped out of line. Plus most households own a cutlass. A+! :)<br />
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<b>Q: </b>Quenk... in order to be trini you must be irritating. i.e. yuh hafta be a real quenk.<br />
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<b>R: </b>Raininweass...it rains a lot in Trinidad. If you live on a hill you may be safe, but if you live in a valley please have lots of buckets to drain water, boots and a say a prayer.<br />
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<b>S: </b>Soucouyant...if you leave a hickey on your significant other's neck just say a soucouyant bit them. People won't know the difference.<br />
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<b>T: </b>Tobago...it's on the north eastern peninsula of the island. Oh wait. That's Toco. My bad it's very common to mix these two up.<br />
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<b>U: </b>Umpteen. When you want to say 'a lot' then you can say umpteen. As in "I tell this dotish girl umpteen times to make de bhaji!"<br />
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<b>V: </b>Vaps. It's very common on this island to 'cetch a vaps'...as in to temporarily go insane. It'll explain why politicians make the decisions they do.<br />
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<b>W: </b>Wining. According to the former Minister of Tropical Bearisms this is a 'gyration of the hips' and not a wine to drink. Nuff said.<br />
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<b>X:</b> Xylophone? How the heck should I know what to say here. Next!<br />
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<b>Y: </b>Yampee...otherwise known as the toots in the corner of your eye. Clean it please.<i> Thankyouverymuch.</i><br />
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<b>Z: </b>Zugup. Finally....this was a neverending post. Barbers will cut your hair unevenly. Get used to it. You will also recognise it as a faux-hawk.<br />
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Thanks for bearing with me and good luck with being a trini!<br />
<br />Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-18870647440615491732012-06-22T07:25:00.002-07:002012-06-22T07:35:34.512-07:00Why Charts Are OrgasmicWe've been doing statistician training at work- I'm a Researcher so gahh I must do all the stats! But that's ok because contrary to my fellow coworkers I actually love stats.....and charts.....and diagrams.....and the Lord of the Rings.....yes I'm a bit of a nerd. But not like a 'star trek no pussy' nerd. More like a 'she's a bit of a smart badass and she can fight a math problem without messing up her hair' nerd. <br />
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So since I was an economics major in university and I NEVER dedicated a post for charts (can ya believe that?), I decided to do that here. Tee hee ;)<br />
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What I like about charts:<br />
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They're informative:<br />
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And errr....Tupacish?<br />
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In short, charts are basically for people who want some pep in their day!</div>Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-44222426102946973392012-05-01T11:29:00.002-07:002014-01-21T07:18:35.642-08:00Random Musings<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You know there are some people in your life that you can have an absolutely random conversation with and it all makes no sense but somehow just the two of you get it? That's how it is with me and my friend. It's almost as if we can be talking about the weather but subliminally we're having a totally different conversation. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This morning's convo- literally copied and pasted from my chat history. Let's call her 'Fred'.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><em>Rachel: I have to go. Bye. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fred: eh </span><span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;">way yuh gone?</span></span></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: #444444;">Rachel: <span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;">gone with the wind?</span></span></em></span></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Fred: girls gone wild?</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: #444444;">Rachel: <span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;">born to be wild?</span></span></em></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #444444;"></span></em><br /></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Fred: born in the usa?</em></span></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #444444;"></span></em><br /></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Rachel: usa today?</em></span></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #444444;"></span></em><br /></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Fred: today tomorrow and forever?</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: #444444;">Rachel: <span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;">forever 21?</span></span></em></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #444444;"></span></em><br /></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Fred: 21 jumpstreet?</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: #444444;">Rachel: <span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;">21st century?</span></span></em></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #444444;"></span></em><br /></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Fred: century entertainment?</em></span></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #444444;"></span></em><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: #444444;">Rachel: <span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;">entertainment tonight?</span></span></em></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #444444;"></span></em><br /></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Fred: tonight is the night when two become one?</em></span></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #444444;"></span></em><br /></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Rachel: two stupid dogs?</em></span></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #444444;"></span></em><br /></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Fred: r u just taking anyword now?</em></span></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #444444;"></span></em><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: #444444;">Rachel: <span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;">no. I just really like 2 stupid dogs </span></span></em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;">After being thoroughly irritated by Fred, I had to laugh in amusement. Not</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI"; white-space: pre-wrap;"> a lot of people get me but this one does. That is until the next annoying conversation. Here's to you Fred! </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3O_-8IJBNzFqgLEm5AYCCPIGvqLJYXqL2xg4YtnwG8AD5yy55G3rlLtVvw_9IsjFYaYKc_qcmOkOT6BeBtXmcsWAO9y8tPmiqfC8KZ2WaG_kTlPAopYg6QcyJtOmg2CLFIe2qy8ObZMH/s1600/shoes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3O_-8IJBNzFqgLEm5AYCCPIGvqLJYXqL2xg4YtnwG8AD5yy55G3rlLtVvw_9IsjFYaYKc_qcmOkOT6BeBtXmcsWAO9y8tPmiqfC8KZ2WaG_kTlPAopYg6QcyJtOmg2CLFIe2qy8ObZMH/s320/shoes.png" height="230" mea="true" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: white;"> ^seriously who doesn't like 2 Stupid Dogs!</span></div>
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Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-12627201916011315942012-02-15T17:57:00.005-08:002012-02-15T19:50:26.950-08:00Dhal- Because that's the colour of happy nailsI've been pretty bored with my recent selections in nail colour recently and I needed a change...<br />
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So at my recent visit to Pays-Out-My-Ass Pharm...apologies...Superpharm, I was walking by the nail aisle and I shit you not...I came across the most beautiful colour evah...it was the most gorgeous yellow. Almost like the sun was bottled up and waiting to be unleashed on the world. And by world I mean my fingernails.<br />
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Excitedly I rushed home waiting to try the polish thinking to myself "yes I'm sure I'm going to encounter pretty depressed people- but one look at my nails and they're gonna cheer up! Look out Mother Theresa because I'm gonna do a lotta good tomorrow! Huzzah!" My intention to spread joy was sincere.<br />
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Anyhoo, I put it on and just as I expected the colour was fah-bou-louse! It's the colour yellow I imagined would be in the 'pot of gold at end of rainbow' rainbow.....I digress.....<br />
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I felt rather pleased with myself so I donned my orange work outfit...because orange blends with yellow...because that is what happens when red and yellow do the dirty....duh.<br />
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The problem occurred when mi madre entered my car because I am her chauffeur (apparently). And in case you were wondering I do have spanish tourettes...<br />
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Madre: Rachel... what on earth?<br />
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Me: What?! Is there something on me?<br />
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Madre: Yes something is on you! What is that on your fingers? *begins to laugh hysterically*<br />
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Me: It nice eh!<br />
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Madre: Oh that's the real colour? I thought you ate the leftover dhal from yesterday and it stained your nail polish. *more hysterical laughter*<br />
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Me: *confused bbm face* ummmmm<br />
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I ended with ummm....because how do you rebutt a statement about your nail polish begin compared to the colour of dhal....<br />
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Also I was also a bit hurt that <i>my own</i> <i>madre did not know I despise dhal. </i>And in addition...why would I have been eating the dhal with 2 hands. Think about it madre. Thank you very much.<br />
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Til my next post...Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-25514596185183764932012-01-27T07:06:00.003-08:002017-11-14T08:06:00.906-08:00My Warped New Year's Resolutions<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 9pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I know it’s almost the end of January, but I’ve decided to finally find the time (despite all the work I have to do) to talk about my New Year’s resolutions. I feel as though this year is moving at warped speed already and even in the past month <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SO MUCH NEW STUFF</b> in my life has happened. It was a literal out with the old and in with the new kinda thing. Also around this time I find myself looking back at last year’s resolutions. I mean I had the sincerest of intentions in mind…like learn a new instrument or a new language…but honestly- where did the year go? So I am making some resolutions that are a definitely achievable so I don’t end off the year feeling sorry for myself.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1. Don’t be Patient</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I vow to be provoked, irritated and ready to blow my gasket at the slightest misstep.</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> The next time my dad or mom wants help with the cleaning or cooking I’ll say, “That’s it! I'm not a domestic goddess! This is why I'm studying law so I can have people do this for me in the future. Geez! Now shuddup before I put you in a retirement home!"</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"> </span> <b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">2. Put on some extra weight</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Flick eating healthy and all that shit. <b>I promise to add more sugar and carbs to my diet with reckless abandon.</b> Each morning I’m going to stuff my face with oil fried pies and doubles. I’m going to raff the fries from the table with vigour. I also vow to eat everything a la mode, including ice cream.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">3. Cut out the gym completely</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Considering that I am such a gym freak as it is, this is going to be very difficult. I’m going to cancel my gym membership and use the money I save to buy more ice cream and red velvet cake. I shall also buy a larger tv and comfortable couch to aid in my descent to being unhealthy. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">4. Harass More</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’m an only child and thus most of the pressure of the household falls on me even though there is another able bodied person to help. This year: <b>I vow to be persistent in my nagging.</b> I will place immediate guilt using words like ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As in “Listen to me I am always right and you will forever be wrong. You just don’t take me on.” I will play the martyr by saying, “Forget it. I’ll do it myself.” I will amp up the guilt with, “Don’t you do anything around the house?” Or something unarguable like, “It’s obvious by your refusal to wash the dishes that you just don’t care about my feelings.” If all works out me and my parents should be in therapy by next year.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">5. Panic and Stress More</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I vow to lose sleep thinking about relationships, school, trying to budget, missing appointments, and health issues.</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> I will laugh an evil cackle while erasing all the plans from my blackberry and then cry over what I’ve just done. I will spend my money on frivolous clothes and accessories and watch as my school money dwindles away. Oh, wait…that already happened. Well good, more for me to worry about.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">6. Don’t Keep In Touch</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This time of year, I am reminded by many individuals that I rarely keep in contact with them. So instead of rekindling any kind of friendship I will cuss out and then hang up on people who call in hopes of fulfilling their own resolution to talk with old friends. I’m also going to start rejecting any new Twitter or Facebook requests and attach a note that reads, “Screw you buddy. I never liked you in the first place, Steups.” </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">7. Fail to remember an Old Language</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This year, I have decided to screw the notion of learning a new language, <b>rather I’m going to totally forget the language I actually know.</b> My brain will be inundated with endless episodes of Spongebob and pointless sports. I’ll going to stop playing brain enhancement games such as Monopoly, Scrabble and crosswords puzzles. My goal is to screw all grammatical rules: I will lose modifiers, end sentences in prepositions and dangle participles. I will express my thoughts in the clicking language of the zulu and communicate with people through interpretive dance.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">8. Gossip More</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I will talk about your life in the New Year.</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> If I see you at the mall buying food, I will tell everyone of how bad you look and how much weight you’ve gained so you can be verbally assaulted when you show up at a birthday party the next day. If you look too skinny, I will assume it’s a breakup or you’re a raging bulimic. If you look very hot, I’ll say you’re having an affair. If you look too youthful, it’s an addiction to surgical procedures because you broke up, due to a torrid affair.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">9. Hold Grudges</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This year I promise to never forgive and forget.</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Even if it’s little shit such as owing me two dollars or poking me by accident. You WILL be blacklisted permanently.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">10. Become Addicted to Something</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Weed, cigarettes and alco are so taboo. <b>No, this year I vow to pick up a distinctive dependency that will get people gossiping such as glue or Nyquil.</b> Or at least something beneficial to my endurance like a shopping addiction. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">HAPPY NEW YEAR!</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My Other Resolution: to get people to read my blog so I can get my own advice column in the newpapers. Because who <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WON’T</b> want to take my advice? ;)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Til my next post…</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span></div>
Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-69833687649024287792012-01-20T21:40:00.000-08:002017-11-14T07:55:33.436-08:00I feel like I have to defend the name Beyonce...No I'm not talking about the singer and her retardo daughter's name...<br />
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I'm speaking of course about my dog Beyonce. Yes. My dog's name is Beyonce. Done smiling? Good. :)<br />
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I feel the need to rant because I'm always having to defend the name Beyonce to everyone. Their response is usually *smh* "but then again it's Rachel so technically I'm not surprised".<br />
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But seriously though in my defense I didn't name the dog. In fact I wanted to name her something whimsey like 'Smigel', 'Scabbers' or 'Smell Cat' (Melly for short)... but alas I was in Canada at the time of the naming so when I came a year later and tried to rename her Smigel....I <em>literally </em>called her Smigel for 2 weeks, I got boffed from my mom. Poor dog was also sincerely confused and had a 'who the hell is Smigel? what an ugly name' scowl on her face.<br />
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But the name Beyonce has grown on me and she certainly embodies the the characteristics of her namesake. For one, she is a go getter. I mean the dog has us wrapped around her little paw. And as crazy as this sounds she usually gets her way, especially with my dad. Look at the cute wittle face! Who can say no to that?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9M9Qja-q6sMam-6fiJUFtYN-ND-dMqNi1RalTiLJtzOP6orC8JecgiqIqfkOJM4TYSXDexZf8__B6gFFSdUR6NZ2TzPIf-RnDIsEmjWgI3vslo-TsCAFN8_w_p1WkXd2jKmRz69I6NR5/s1600/40378_10150231004825061_605985060_14122421_5078875_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9M9Qja-q6sMam-6fiJUFtYN-ND-dMqNi1RalTiLJtzOP6orC8JecgiqIqfkOJM4TYSXDexZf8__B6gFFSdUR6NZ2TzPIf-RnDIsEmjWgI3vslo-TsCAFN8_w_p1WkXd2jKmRz69I6NR5/s1600/40378_10150231004825061_605985060_14122421_5078875_a.jpg" /></a></div>
<em>Exhibit A</em><br />
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Secondly she is a diva...this dog struts her stuff like she owns a room! And generally you know a doggie diva when they don't go seeking out your affection. For instance my other dog Jlo (will defend that name in a subsequent post) will come barking and trying to get your attention. Beyonce will just pass, rub her bushy tail against your leg and walk away with a smirk...as if she's some sort of tease. If that's not diva behaviour I don't know what is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNW_I5WlU9RFWy80WYVEUMazbt1wT2bDJwZgWdFjtUSCNwmYaaHi3o96bf-jYBAT5Bv0A_qCzinZjAbcAIzj6yYyon5yY_xewHaEGI4N3nNAcv73M2LJp1OcGCn6CRa0K4Rle0o0b53ic/s1600/x2_a708b07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNW_I5WlU9RFWy80WYVEUMazbt1wT2bDJwZgWdFjtUSCNwmYaaHi3o96bf-jYBAT5Bv0A_qCzinZjAbcAIzj6yYyon5yY_xewHaEGI4N3nNAcv73M2LJp1OcGCn6CRa0K4Rle0o0b53ic/s320/x2_a708b07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>Exhibit B</em></div>
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Thirdly, let's not forget that she has sandy blonde fur like the singer Beyonce.</div>
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I also want to mention that I'm not the only person that has animals/inanimate objects named after the singer Beyonce. The awesome Bloggess named the 5 ft metal chicken in her yard Beyonce as well <a href="http://thebloggess.com/2011/06/and-thats-why-you-should-learn-to-pick-your-battles/">see link here</a>.<br />
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P.S. Beyonce the Giant Metal Chicken also as a fb page so you can become a fan if you have the balls... <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyonce-the-giant-metal-chicken/245571305466603">see link here motherfucker</a><br />
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P.P.S. if you took this blog seriously you're an idiot. And I mean that in a good way.<br />
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Til my next post...</div>
Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-12366991250323391422011-11-22T11:14:00.000-08:002011-11-22T11:27:23.797-08:00Tweet tweet tweedly tweet!I began my twitter journey by flux. One day I got fed up of facebook and everyone maccoing my business and tagging me in pictures, so I decided to deactivate my account. Lo and behold, I realised that I was a fb addict and I longed for digital interaction. It was then I decided to join twitter to fill that gaping need for social networking. <br />
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When you first join twitter you think- gosh this thing is so retarded! You don't know who or what to follow, you aren't aware of all the different apps that can be used and you're just in dispondence about what to tweet. There are many strange people that will follow you (most of them spammers and porn stars) and you say to yourself- 'well I already have fb and all the people I want to talk to are on there- so why do I need twitter? Twitter isn't even as well organised as facebook with neat albums and and a functional way of liking posts or writing messages and picture comments.' Don't worry I felt this way too. And if it wasn't for my desire to stay off fb, I would've deactivated my twitter account a looonngggg time ago.<br />
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However be not dismayed new twitter users! Just stick with the program and and you will reap the rewards. What I like about twitter is the type and quality of people that you find on here. You have your everyday joes such as myself, but you also get to interact with celebrities, journalists, favourite restaurants and magazines. When you start to follow people, they will begin to follow you then it starts off a domino effect until there is a whole online community. Nowadays I tell people- yes I know this person, oh and I got involved in this activity- and they ask 'how?' When I respond -'well it's through twitter', they all look at me with glassy eyed amusement - 'twitter Rachel? Oh please how do you expect to know people through a social networking site.' Well my dearhearts you do! I have met a lot of wonderful individuals through twitter and there are many various events such as 'tweetups' that happen where you can come out mingle and make new friends. I have to admit that I used to be shy in talking to guys and I might even describe myself as a female version of Raj from the Big Bang Theory (yes it's true), but now I have more guys friends than I have ever had in my lifetime- because of twitter! Don't get any ideas- it's all platonic. ;)<br />
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Twitter does have its cons- such as the #pr9anya situation. For those of you that don't know, Anya Ayoung-Chee a former beauty contestant from Trinidad and Tobago was participating in Season 9 of Project Runway. If you added the hashtag #pr9anya to the end of your tweets, this counted towards tallied votes for fan favourite. Well you know trinis went to town on that one! And considering this was all happening during the state of emergency, we had way too much time on our hands. But at the end of the day we all rallied together and Anya did in fact win fan favourite. I know a couple of my non-trini friends unfollowed me for a while because of the #pr9anya invasions on their timeline- but believe it or not it really brought the country together. We felt a sense of patriotism that we hadn't felt in a long time. So screw it I guess #pr9anya was a pro :)<br />
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Besides twitter being a way to market yourself to the world (which a lot of people do by the way), it also fosters a sense of amusement and relaxation. When I've had a long day, I long to log on everynight and have laughs with my tweeps. It also allows us to be social commentators and tv critics with hilarious views on what is going on in Trinidad as well on television. <br />
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The most important advantage of twitter in my opinion, is that it allows you to tweet an infinite number of times without appearing to be narcissistic. There have been times when I have been aggravated by situations and I will take to twitter to vent. It makes me feel better (personally) and there are actually people on there that can help you. I sincerely believe that some of my fb people need a twitter account rather than filling up my fb newsfeed with their rants, with the egotisical gain of getting the most amount of 'likes' as they possibly can. On twitter they can actually tweet to the people that WANT to read them. Oh yeah #ftw!<br />
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I will leave you with a funny twitter comic. :)<br />
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Til my next post...Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-14080636854665919432011-10-01T14:33:00.000-07:002011-10-01T14:51:22.667-07:00Attitude is EverythingI remember hearing a story from a cancer patient that struck me:<br />
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There once was a woman who woke up one morning and realised that she had three hairs on her head. She said, “Well I think I’ll braid my hair today.” So she did, and she had a great day.<br />
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The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and she saw that she had only two hairs on her head. “Hmm” she said. “I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today.” So she did, and she had a grand day.<br />
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The next day, she woke up, looked in the mirror, and she noticed that she had only one hair on her head. “Well,” she said. “Today I’m going to wear my hair in a pony tail.” So she did, and she had a fun day.<br />
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The next day, she woke up, looked in the mirror, and she noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head. “Hooray!” she exclaimed. “I don’t have to fix my hair today!”<br />
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Since my mom developed cancer my attitude to life has changed...I do plan to do a blog on her progress, albeit I'm not too sure it can be 'deemed' as progress since emotionally she's been going downhill. <br />
But I've realised that I've become a tower of strength because dealing with cancer is a 24 hour job. It starts from when I get up in the morning, throughout the day to when I fall asleep at night. Sometimes you don't even get sleep because you're dealing with the illness throughout the night. Cancer doesn't just affect the person inflicted with it- it affects everyone in its periphery because it's hard to watch the person you love suffer, whether it be from the cancer itself or the chemotherapy. Overall it's an exhausting experience. Yes there are times when I feel extremely lonely (more often than not) because I don't want to burden anyone with the way I feel...and to an extent I feel guilty when I'm sad or depressed because I think- "well I'm not the one with cancer so I need to put on a brave face, otherwise I would appear like a drama queen looking for attention if I show emotions". <br />
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But the flipside to this tale is that I would not trade this experience for anything in the world. No I'm not a matyr like Job, but I believe that me <em>and </em>my family have gained a newfound respect from everyone that we've come into contact with. Most people would not know how to deal with cancer and they admire us for pressing forward and for me and my dad maintaining a positive attitude throughout this situation. Forget all the tests and trials due to work, school and personal issues that we've already faced in our lifetimes. This here is the BIG test. I believe that when we pull through I'll be able to deal with any circumstances that come my way. Thankfully also, I have a great closeknit group of friends that are there for me at the drop of a hat. I even have to comfort them at times, even the acquaintances that I meet as well- giving them the hope that my situation would be ok and they need not worry about me.<br />
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Needless to say after this cancer ordeal is over I would have the experience and qualifications of an ordained pastor, pharmacist, oncologist and certified psychologist.<br />
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I've attached this comic because the title of this blog is related to attitude and you just have to laugh sometimes at the shit life dishes on you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrU1ktZP69KG_RxnXAWSXQeUT2Fl7ixf4qoazLk6LQPJGeGKacbbl6OA5HHHVFHRrRNr3vRzNffxJC2euimZXByVg4qczR_cTw7iTcK7v1to-025D347mLsqh1k9GqUn39fj4ZpeiCi7M/s1600/Funny-Comic-Book-Cyanide-and-Happiness-Cancer-Pregnant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrU1ktZP69KG_RxnXAWSXQeUT2Fl7ixf4qoazLk6LQPJGeGKacbbl6OA5HHHVFHRrRNr3vRzNffxJC2euimZXByVg4qczR_cTw7iTcK7v1to-025D347mLsqh1k9GqUn39fj4ZpeiCi7M/s320/Funny-Comic-Book-Cyanide-and-Happiness-Cancer-Pregnant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-53164519094302524262011-07-07T11:30:00.000-07:002017-11-14T08:59:14.741-08:00Oh for the love of shoe!<span style="color: #444444;">Hello my shoeple!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">It's been a while...didn't even know what to come on here and say to you guys...but I've been requested to do a shoe post, mainly because I can sit and talk for hours about shoes probably the same way guys can talk about football and cars. So why not do one with my top 5 shoes! Yay how fun!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I should also mention that I had an appointment on Tragarete road about a month ago, and my favourite pair of pumps (Fifi as I call her) got stuck in a hole and brought me down on the pavement, in FRONT of a building full of construction workers...no less *smh*...I told fifi (telepathically? can you do that with shoes?) that I would not be wearing her for a while again as punishment. Bad fifi :-(</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I will also eventually start to post my 'Shoe of the Day' as I used to do on twitter. But it's just laziness that has prevented me from doing it. I tried recently to be like Ian Alleyne by doing my own version of the hunt is on 'Jackass Driver of the Day' but alas I am too tired and frustated to care anymore about trini drivers. But I digress...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Trini girls- you can also order these shoes directly from the stores online or at </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://www.amazon.com/</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">. I find it difficult to find cute and comfortable shoes in Trinidad that won't wipe out my bank account...still- the hunt is on...for cute inexpensive shoes! </span><a href="http://quiettrini.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Quiettrini</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> and I always said that we would bring down semi-inexpensive designer shoes, and open a store in Woodbrook. It would be a cupcake bistro/shoe boutique. I mean isn't that the ultimate store for girls? Cupcakes and shoes! *daydreams*...and it would be painted pink...Mmmmm :-)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">But anyways...let's get on to it! Shoes shoes shoes!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #eeeeee;">5.</span> <span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: red;">Yves Saint Laurent --</span> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><em>Tribute Double Platform. </em>The shoe features black patent leather, round toe, blue lining, covered platform, and a 4 1/10″ covered heel.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqrTkxaUkPdC4_qMQurRKP11_PEBauZ1mhOxUC3-OaZn3V2r5zt9IdkYfLSMa5aH6fMRCpO8xKVq6l3z4DfpCkp-pbLgLSqPHfKL1RJFxktu00bYHZA6f-XZDHy4I5nBYiyFBvtJlMZ0d/s1600/yves.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqrTkxaUkPdC4_qMQurRKP11_PEBauZ1mhOxUC3-OaZn3V2r5zt9IdkYfLSMa5aH6fMRCpO8xKVq6l3z4DfpCkp-pbLgLSqPHfKL1RJFxktu00bYHZA6f-XZDHy4I5nBYiyFBvtJlMZ0d/s320/yves.bmp" true="" width="294" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #eeeeee;">4.</span> <span style="color: red;">Jimmy Choo --</span><span style="color: #660000;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><em>Private Patent Leather Sandals in nude</em>. Also because I love everything in nude!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKelFX_Sr1A-qLOEmVx8hNDrWniukjXILtfkvnUVFrT0ur1aS6oAeN8NbWlTvcpVqHFujwRj8XpmnFi3QZbDVlShlRBn-W9KTUOprv-ARJSqCeSb34ITTao5a873ZNvvd90N0C7P4q1u7_/s1600/jimmy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKelFX_Sr1A-qLOEmVx8hNDrWniukjXILtfkvnUVFrT0ur1aS6oAeN8NbWlTvcpVqHFujwRj8XpmnFi3QZbDVlShlRBn-W9KTUOprv-ARJSqCeSb34ITTao5a873ZNvvd90N0C7P4q1u7_/s1600/jimmy.jpg" true="" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #eeeeee;">3.</span><span style="color: #660000;"> <span style="color: red;">Fendi --</span> </span><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><em><span style="color: #444444;">Gothic Romance- Platform Heels</span></em> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEhjo3oEopAOtzXzDd5Nc3i7c1O-5aHr-VdzJMatpjbOY7G0ctxnT9LJUP8AwUFCac2bDngWu5JU4okzD-1DMJAJF5b3FIYmAImKJopCQDlosBNdxfNbEOcUQFnn9hvNjajd1IlNP5F6D/s1600/fendi-platform-heels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEhjo3oEopAOtzXzDd5Nc3i7c1O-5aHr-VdzJMatpjbOY7G0ctxnT9LJUP8AwUFCac2bDngWu5JU4okzD-1DMJAJF5b3FIYmAImKJopCQDlosBNdxfNbEOcUQFnn9hvNjajd1IlNP5F6D/s320/fendi-platform-heels.jpg" true="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #eeeeee;">2.</span> <span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: red;">Manolo Blahnik --</span> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><em>Crystal Panel Thong Sandal...</em>caught you off-guard there didn't I! Normally because people don't associate Monolos with flats. But a girl's gotta dress for comfort sometimes. Plus they're shiny!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlIBfOa0hWvYKw3N764RZpJphIIyOB79wigMXrQTs9160YwuWP5C7yWXP4lObOAkRxslBKxxxyNB6f-2pHmuKUH0B6qs8w2uMPllFBHen7bXW7vjfXzrsxpeodSLjR8H1tibuHSo4wFOc/s1600/manolo2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="320" m="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlIBfOa0hWvYKw3N764RZpJphIIyOB79wigMXrQTs9160YwuWP5C7yWXP4lObOAkRxslBKxxxyNB6f-2pHmuKUH0B6qs8w2uMPllFBHen7bXW7vjfXzrsxpeodSLjR8H1tibuHSo4wFOc/s320/manolo2" true="" width="256" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #eeeeee;">1.</span> </span><span style="color: red;">Louboutin--</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><em>Leopard pumps</em>- Who else!!! It's what I imagined heaven would be...definitely close to it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Hope you enjoyed. This post especially was for the ladies!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Til my next post...</span>Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-39687157166689430802011-06-03T07:49:00.000-07:002011-06-03T11:57:50.220-07:00The Vagina Blogologues!Let's talk vaginas! :) <br />
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Me and my friend <a href="http://quiettrini.blogspot.com/">quiet trini</a> love to talk about them. Someone even went as far to tell her that she's obsessed with vagina related articles. No we are not gay and yes we love us some good lollipops, but we've come to realise that it is so taboo to talk about vaginas. And even though most men <strong>LOVE </strong>them, they are very uncomfortable to hear women talk about it. See if you are a man and you're reading this you're already beginning to squirm. Even up to this past week I said the word 'vajayjay' to a work colleague and he looked at me with mouth open shock. I thought to myself 'he's over 30, has he not seen a coochie before?' Why are people so uneasy to mention it? But I say- what's the big vagining deal! You love 'em and we use them everyday of our lives...so let's just get it out in the open- acknowledge the elephant in the room so to speak. <br />
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If you're still uncomfortable it's ok and I totally understand. You should probably stop reading at this point. :)<br />
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My first issue with vaginas is the misconception that men have about them smelling like fish. Really? Ok my vajean never has and never will smell like a fish. Not even on her <strong>WORST</strong> day has she even come close to smelling fishy. This whole fish issue came about when I tweeted 'If all men's balls smelt like strawberries, this world would be a perfect place' (because I mean seriously how awesome would that be)...then a guy responded with '<span class="entry-content">we prefer to smell car oil over fish'...which made me say- 'what kind of girls do you get involved with?' But it wasn't just him. Throughout the years I've heard a lot of men- not so much in Trinidad, but definitely in Canada talk about the fish smell.</span><br />
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Which made me think- do certain types of women smell fishy? For instance I cannot imagine that indian girls would smell fishy, and I did a quick poll- and none of my indian friends stated that they did. I would go as far as saying that south asian girls probably have a spicy smell or taste, due to all the spices, herbs and curry...but certainly not fishy. In fact I should probably include Caribbean girls to that list who comprise of predominantly africans and indians. It could be that we bathe more than the average world citizen due to the hot weather...but we practice some of the best hygiene on the planet. The white european friends that I have (which could also extend to my north american caucasian friends- because they are of euro descent) also indulged me and said that they themselves don't smell fishy. Which brings me back to the oriental asians- such as the chinese, thai and japanese who definitely have a high fished-based diet. Certainly if they eat lots of fish or fish sauces, then they must be the fish smelling culprits! But none of those friends complained about fish smells. So it led me to the conclusion that fishy smells are not a race or cultural thing. So where did this idea of fish come from? <br />
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I then decided to do some research...well not intense research...but yes I googled. *is embarassed*. So I googled 'fishy vaginal smell'...and came across mostly health websites that spoke about bacteria. And apparently the only thing that could help the smell is antibiotics. So guys if your girl has a fishy smell chances are that she has the bacterial vaginosis. Bummer. If for years she has been smelling that way then sorry to say- she is just DUTTY! Seriously bathe a little more often. <br />
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I intended to speak more about 'the flower' but I've realised that this post is uber long. I'll leave you with a video blog by Whitney the puppet. People say I remind them of her and that the puppet was fashioned after me. I won't call the friend's name *cough cough* <a href="http://sashadollisms.blogspot.com/">sasha doll</a> *cough cough* lol<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Til my next post...</div>Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4813469269203090237.post-55008512682124533282011-06-01T15:52:00.000-07:002011-06-03T09:41:38.589-07:00Bye Bye Mama O!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzn8Y-50z_tfJbiVEqEStEPEnQvvEkrXr7xyfBMzZdW6Q1Xn8GaJYNwlFcnB3ZUd2UmBlO-7GdpXi_WUsPA8mOSadDxlG3eNsNHTZQOu3KtWVCb0OxgenoKALtX2VxRuTJ0LJQj5eYakpx/s1600/oprahs-last-show-2011-c-p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzn8Y-50z_tfJbiVEqEStEPEnQvvEkrXr7xyfBMzZdW6Q1Xn8GaJYNwlFcnB3ZUd2UmBlO-7GdpXi_WUsPA8mOSadDxlG3eNsNHTZQOu3KtWVCb0OxgenoKALtX2VxRuTJ0LJQj5eYakpx/s1600/oprahs-last-show-2011-c-p.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><br />
"I won't say goodbye, I'll just say until we meet again... To God be the glory." -Oprah Winfrey<br />
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After 25 years, Oprah Winfrey the mama of day time talk shows said goodbye. It was a historic moment for me. I laughed. I cried. I had my 'aha' moments. I have to admit that I am the biggest Oprah fan and I would've given my left lung and probably a leg to go see her final taping. She did it in fine style too. Just her and her audience of closest and endearing friends, family and fans, as she encouraged us to pick up, move on and take what we've learned throughout the years to make a better world. It was an intimate and emotional farewell. I definitely shed some tears as the lights went off in the studio and she made her final walk...hugging all her crew and then finally retiring to her house where she picked up her dog and then the programme ended, showing the iconic Harpo logo. I think I was in denial that it was over. Oprah is just one of those shows and one of those people that is just always on and always around to give you advice, guidance and a lesson or two on a daily.<br />
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Other than my mom, Oprah has to be one of the women that I strongly look up to. She has been a source of inspiration to me. I don't need to tell you about her humble beginnings, her childhood sexual molestation issues, yet her inner resolve to heal her soul and live to tell the tale, all the while helping those in need around her. She showed me that it was ok to be hurt. It's ok to have baggage (because I mean who doesn't). It was ok to be a girl of colour, from an unknown village trying to make a mark in this dying world. It doesn't matter what your story is. You were put here for a reason- and whatever greater being is out there is going to help you flourish into what you were meant to be once you have a sincere heart.<br />
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Ever since I was a child, I've always said I wanted to adopt kids from third world countries and in general be involved in planning policies and international development projects. Yes this was before it was the 'it' thing to do in Hollywood. But now that I think about it, I believe it's because I saw Oprah doing it for all those years. She definitely planted the seed of humanitarism in my heart, and I am sure in many women's hearts around the world. I saw on her show, normal middle classed women who were inspired to go to Africa and build schools for underpriviledged children, dig waterwells and provide villages with vaccinations for HIV/AIDS. This is the power of the Oprah Show. I've always said that I don't care about money and if I end up in a remote village in Africa helping those in need, I would've lived out my purpose. Had I not seen Oprah embodying that living example, maybe I would've grown up with different moral values.<br />
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Oprah has also inspired a nation of people to read again- and that in itself is a feat. I am sure you have read at least one from the Oprah book club- or at least can quote some of the titles you've heard. It is unavoidable. I appreciate the fact that she spent so much time and energy promoting a slowly dying art. Why dying? Well, I think that in this day and age people have become too dependent on their technology to pick up a good old-fashioned book. And it’s sad. It’s enough for me that Oprah will be on stage, with a REAL book in her hand, telling everyone they have to read it. And she gives copies to her audience members, and hopefully they read it and recommend it to their friends, relatives and so on. I love that.<br />
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Out of everyone else in this world Oprah has instilled a sense of self worth in people and has taught them how to tap into their inner strength. Whether it be closeted homosexual men, to criminals, to women in abusive relationships, to young girls with low self- esteem, to people who are drowning in financial debt, Oprah gave individuals the tools to brush off whatever dirt they had on their shoulders and start over. The moral of her show is that noone is perfect, but everyone deserves a second chance to make the right choices and live a meaningful life.<br />
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Whether you would like to admit it or not, Oprah has touched all of us in one way or another. I think there are very few people in the world that can claim such a thing. Good luck Oprah, thank you for twenty-five awesome years, and we will support your wherever you go. We love you Mama O!<br />
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I'll leave you with two videos: 1 is a beautiful video in commemoration of Oprah done by Paul Simon (who I love!)<br />
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The other is Sid the cussing rabbit from North London from the Craig Ferguson show describing how he feels about the show's ending:<br />
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Til my next post...Rachel Rampersadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03819738501064289534noreply@blogger.com1