Ladies, stay classy. Stay Strong.

Thanks to my brunette, and wildly evil, friend Dayna, I have yet again been reminded of the “Shoes in the Home” saga. Americanos all think taking off your shoes in ones home is crazy craze. Whhhhaaatttttt? Take off my super sexy hot shoes that will inevitably ruin everything in your home? Are you for realsies up in this rental? Get out of town.

Yes, America. Take off your damn shoes.

I love Sex and the City – I mean, love is an understatement, but something always bothered me about this episode.

Carrie, take off your effing shoes and shaddap.

At 5’3 I drop a good 5 inches, instantly, when I walk into someones home. It’s how we do up North. It’s how we roll. Why this becomes strange as soon as you cross the border is beyond me. My Mom would cuff your ear if you traipsed around in anything but the feet God gave you in her home.

Even that part alone boggles my mind. Cool, you don’t want to take off your shoes – but the demands that come after, holy hell kittens. The sense of entitlement is astonishing. Because “I” made “you” take off “your” shoes, “I” must give “you” slippers? They cost $5, go pick up a pair and shove them in your purse. Case closed.

This isn’t new. We all go to Christmas parties and are asked to remove our sparkly heels so that Santa isn’t bringing a construction worker in for Christmas. Unless you come in tow with a $1,000 gift card to Home Depot – zip your lip.

I, for some odd reason, am able to practice my Victoria Secret model walk in “air heels” while pointing and pouting, on hardwood floors, so sweethearts, you can maneuver through a room with a glass of vino gracefully too.

Let me dispel some “valid arguments”:

But your floors are dirty — so are you.

But someone might take them — someone might take your coat, life.

But my shoes are clean — I can’t even take that argument seriously. You just walked here and probably through fecal matter. No they’re not.

But they go with my outfit — really? That “outfit”?

But I’m not wearing any socks — I will remember you don’t “plan accordingly” and aren’t “flexible” if you ever ask for a job reference.

Basically, suck it up buttercup. Check your shoes and dramatic attitude at the door. Canadian Girls > American Girls

Everywhere you look now you can see a situation where someone has been beat down (literally or emotionally) and are at their breaking point. There are videos of women being beaten on the street, women going topless at a nightclub and dancing for a rap star, pictures of protestors and shoppers being sprayed in close range with pepper spray and videos of people crying out for help. There are videos of people saying it gets better. Maybe we should all get better.

We’re awful to each other. Absolutely terrible. We’re awful to people we don’t like, but worse, we’re the worst to those people in our corner. There’s only so much a person can take before they reach their breaking point – and whether it’s someone you know, or a stranger on the street – get better. Be better. I think I speak for most people who are sick of seeing or reading about how poorly we treat one another.

We all should be better than that.

I’ve posted this quote before, but I love it so much I thought it needed its own space. I believe whole heartedly in going after your own desires, no matter what they may be. And if that happens to be a handsome man, than so be it. After all, who doesn’t like a man who is willing to get down on one knee with shoe in tow.

Get it, girl.

First of all, One Tree Hill is one of my favourites. A lot of my sane girlfriends and I enjoy this show tremendously, and I preface that with sane because this is a dramatic show. Not quite on the level of Dawson’s Creek, but you catch my drift. Secondly, it’s a full hour of feelings sharing, and since I don’t do that very well – I admire these 28 year olds pretending like they’re in high school. Thirdly, this is a scene with a cheerleader, how can I not adore it?

This moment really defines what’s important in life. We all work hard for something, anything really. Whether it be that big Championship, a dream job, finishing a race or having a family – it’s your dream, and it’s come true. Who do you want to share that with?

Sure it’s easy to do it on your own. Often easier than including someone in your plans. It’s hard to merge goals and see someone else succeed while your goals or level of importance to that person takes a seat on the back burner. But who wants to achieve their dream and be standing there alone? Talk about the peak of loneliness.

So think about it… when all your dreams come true, who do you want standing there beside you? I hope they know.

The RAWF takes place from November 4-13, and is a perfect way to fall into fall

My little contest will close on Tuesday at noon, and I will send the tickets to the lucky winner (who will be selected randomly).

Alls you have to do is…

A) Comment below! So simple.

B) Tweet me “@shankell” with something cute or creative with the #RoyalToyota Hashtag.

C) If you have me on Facebook, leave a comment under this post.

That’s all folks! Giddy up and good luck

- Albert Einstein

Today I am extra excited though, because I finally thought it was the perfect time for my new Linea Pelle purse.

Isn’t she beautyyyfull!

The green is perfect for me, goes with my gold/green/yellow depending on the day, eyes. I also wanted to send a big thank you to my friend Val Stachurski for holding the contest that led me to my new friend – such a doll and her blog is fantastic.

Linea Pelle is worn by the who’s who in Hollywood, and now Toronto!

Ha! Ok, well, at least in Hollywood. But I love it to pieces, and I’m sure we’ll make many memories together.

I need to learn how to take better pictures…. jeeze, SK.

My purse: Moss Dylan Speedy

I’d say I’m both. And I’d also say that I’m in the midst of the most interesting portion of my life to date. It’s a transition. It’s hard, and scary and allows me to be entirely passionate and creative and introverted but extroverted all in the same breath. It is lonely yet social. It is constantly driving me to be the best version of myself I can be. Blessed and inspired, I’m changing.

I recently was introduced to a lovely website called Tiny Devotions by my dear friend Laura. Her story inspired me, and I fell in love with the “Creative Catalyst” mala. It felt like me.

We are here on this planet to love and to create – this mala will help you do both.

It is for writers, architects, maker of all sorts, artists, yogis, filmmakers, designers or those wishing to fuel their creativity (or lack thereof)

Rhodochrosite heals the heart chakra and is especially good for loneliness and insecurities.

Aligning your heart and your creativity is a force to be reckoned with. So go forth and create with love.

I now wear it proudly as a reminder to be me, and be thankful for how blessed I am. Creative, driven, passionate, down to earth and inspired.

Let’s forget about it……..

Ok FINE! I got everything wrong. Are we HAPPY NOW!

Ugghhhhh, I love and hate this league so much. Nothing makes sense any more. But what did make sense is the amount of wine I drank at the Argos/Bombers game (hey-o!)

I just want to put it behind me, and ease into week 14. So, here we go…

Alouettes vs. Blue Bombers: I know what you’re thinking, you’re picking Swaggerville, again? Yep, I am. That was a tough pill to swallow, and they’ll come out guns-a-blazin this week (I hope).

Eskimos vs. Lions: Let’s go with BC. Why? Because it’s the first time they’re playing in the new and improved BC Place. Lehgo, build some history boys!

Riders vs. Stamps: I am going with Riders, and I have no idea why – so don’t ask.

Ticats vs. Argos: Oskee Wee Wee, why? Meh. Because I said so. And there is something funny about Hamilton winning in Toronto.

That’s it for me, folks. If you use my picks to win money – hahahahahahaha!