Rae Roy's Blog, page 56

Symphonic Saturday – Travel Tunes

[image error]In a few short days, I’ll be starting a graduate certificate in Scriptwriting. There are a few things to do in order to get ready. For breakfast, I’m planning on playing around with quinoa since I can’t eat oats. It seems versatile enough to eat it as a porridge like oatmeal or in a healthier way such as a bowl with fruits, veggies, meats, etc.

Of course I need other things like lunch materials, but music is the food of the soul and that doesn’t involve me going outside. One cannot forget the travel tunes for the bus when the bus ride is around an hour long, after all. I need to locate my mp3 player, charge it, and see if some tunes need to change.

I watched The Blues Brothers this morning and I found it funny that it is classified as a musical since there are so few musical numbers in it. It was a fun movie, but I think I need something more. Perhaps Chicago is what I should watch this evening.

I think my playlist could use a few more songs from movies, TV shows, and musicals. Those would be a fun way to begin this career changing year.

I hope everyone is enjoying this last long weekend before summer ends. The sounds of children playing outside tells me some people definitely are.

Have fun and stay safe

Frisky Friday – Spanking Parties

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Spanking is a fetish for some. For many, they don’t need it to ‘arrive’, but enjoy being spanked by their partners in a sexual way as part of foreplay.

Some people place spanking on their version of the BDSM spectrum, while others find it too tame to be part of BDSM. The accounts I’ve read of spanking parties are that they aren’t full of bondage wearing types or any other stereotypical BDSM-like scenes you may be picturing.

Spanking parties have been around for quite some time. The media was reporting on them around 2011, so you can assume they were going on longer than that. They’re especially great for people who are searching for someone else who is into spanking.

Some of you may wonder how spanking could be enjoyable. It’s all about change of sensation. When the skin is lightly stinging and your partner gently runs their fingertips or a feather over it, it can heighten or change the way it normally feels. Much like an ice cube.

Many cities have events like spanking parties. Sometimes they’re invite-only. If it’s something you’re interested in, do an internet search for spanking parties in your city.

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

Filed under: Musings Tagged: Sex

Thoughtful Thursday – Time Management

[image error]I hear all kinds of crap all the time.

Stuff like, “Don’t schedule your blog posts ahead of time.”

Why is it crap?

Well, some people say you shouldn’t in the off chance that you blog about something that isn’t relevant to the news that happened that day. In case something big happens like Trump getting impeached.

Guess what. If something big happens, you can just issue another blog post for that once you’ve wrapped your head around it rather than being reactionary to everything around you.

Also, just because something big happened in the world, doesn’t mean it’s something your blog should talk about. I try to focus on being positive, music, martial arts, writing, movies, and the things that relate most directly to them. Yeah, maybe some military coup just happened, but unless I’m going to look at it from a point of view that relates to the rest of the content on my blog, I don’t need to jump in on that discussion. If you jump in every time something happens without looking at your blog’s content, you dilute what your blog is about and forget who it is for. This isn’t a political blog, so I don’t often discuss politics at all. If I started constantly posting about Trump, I’d lose readers who care about what I normally write about. I don’t need to be saying the same thing that everyone else is.

Busy people schedule their blog posts because it lets them get more done. They get to do more of what they’re passionate about. Every second matters and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Maybe their seconds don’t matter to them, but yours are up to you and you alone.

I often schedule my posts because my life is full and my to-do list is long. It’s one thing out of many that I do to find the extra time to spend with loved ones creating memories.

Do what works for you. It’s your blog.

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

Filed under: Musings

Warrior Wednesday – Seminar Planning

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Sometimes battle looks more like fighting with a computer in this modern age.

Especially when making preparations for the yearly seminar.

Last year’s form was found, but it was not in the format I needed in order to edit it. I tried to copy and paste, but it wouldn’t copy the information.

Luckily for me, I’m going back to school this year and one of the software packages we use is the Adobe suite, so I was able to convert last year’s file to a word document and update it with this year’s particulars.

I have the main restaurant booked. I just need to book the Friday night whoever’s in town place. My first choice looks like it probably won’t work, which is annoying. There are some new places even closer to home for several of us, so perhaps they will be the place to go. I have menu questions to ask for myself and to see if they can accommodate the smaller group that usually comes out on the Friday night. At least I had no issues booking the large group for Saturday’s dinner.

There’s still insurance outstanding, but we’re proceeding anyway and hoping it doesn’t blow up in our faces. It’s coming. We just have a time of year that happens to be when renewal happens, so we have this same problem every year.

A lot of little things go into a seminar. This one doesn’t have a grading or depend on foreign sensei, so it’s a lot easier, but there are still things that make it challenging to plan and execute.

Anyway, that’s what I’ve been working on today. Maybe I’ll check out this other place tonight as I need to go do some errands anyway.

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

Filed under: Martial Arts Tagged:

Theatrical Tuesday – Game of Thrones *No Spoilers*

[image error]I’ve caught up on Game of Thrones.

The finale was awesome in so many aspects. And I do mean awesome, not just really cool. Points literally struck me with awe. I felt myself cheering at parts, cringing at others, and in shock by the end.

I can’t believe I have to wait until . . . Who knows? One friend said he heard Season 8 might not come until 2019! I REALLY hope he’s wrong on that one.

I suppose it’s good that it ended before school starts. It’s one less thing to distract me from my studies.

I’m also caught up on South Park, so I’ve been trying Bob’s Burgers. South Park returns in about 2 weeks and I guess a few other shows will too, but I can’t believe GoT is over again already.

Wait, I think I’m behind on Supernatural and perhaps Archer. Maybe it’s also a good time to rewatch something like Lord of the Rings?

I’m sure I’ll have no shortage of films to watch for my Film and Media in Canada course soon. It’s a Tuesday class and I won’t have the first one until September 12th because of the way the schedule falls with Labour Day and the first Tuesday being orientation instead of actual classes.

Lots to do in the coming weeks.

There are other things, but I seem to have a pulled quad muscle, so I’m relegated to lighter tasks right now. I do have many things to read, so that is mostly my focus.

I need to finish reading The Glass Castle so I can go see the movie and find out how it stacks up against the book. Judging by the trailer, I might be disappointed. Maybe I’ll do this as I catch up on laundry.

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

Filed under: Musings Tagged: TV Shows

Merry Monday – Getting Things Done

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Image created using Bit Strips.

I’ve been pretty exhausted since the pre-orientation day at school. It was a lot of walking. I think the first couple of weeks are going to be tough for me. There’s a line where the right amount of exercise reduces my fatigue and if I cross it, I end up extra tired for days. Extra tired as in I feel like the world is wrapped in cheesecloth (or maybe I am) and only some parts seep in. Of course, that line is like an invisible moving target, but it is what it is. Martial arts was rough yesterday.

I’ve been spending time going through my things to reduce where I can. As I wash clothing, I decide whether or not to keep it before folding it. I’ve been reducing my jewelry. I don’t wear much of it anyway.

I got the last kitchen drawer bottom cut on Friday. The next step is hand planing it to the right thickness for the slot. Not today though. I’m too sore from martial arts.

Things are coming together slowly.

I’m also working on my novel, of course.

I’ve already begun reading ahead for school.

The VMAs were a horrible waste of my time last night. They cut off Linkin Park’s performance which was in tribute to their lost band mate. They cut to commercial at the worst possible time they could have. Yet, Miley’s performance was unobstructed. They had no problems letting Katy Perry’s boring host blathering be heard by the audience at home, but a performance by Linkin Park had to be cut off. I seriously doubt I’ll ever bother with the VMAs again.

Anyway, today is supposed to be about positivity. It’s a beautifully sunny day here in Ottawa. The neighbour’s dog isn’t barking. It’s Monday, so I have a bunch of time to get things done before another weekend is upon me. The hardest challenge I have this week involves getting my storage area reconfigured so I can store my winter tires in it. I only have two tires in Ottawa right now as my car can only hold two of them. I have a trolley, so I’m not so worried about getting them from the car to the storage area.

Anyway, I should think about lunch and dinner too.

Oh, I also need to do some reading.

Looks like a mostly easy week before September comes.

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

Filed under: Musings Tagged: Discipline

Symphonic Saturday – I’m a Sheerio

[image error]What’s a Sheerio?

Why it’s a fan of Ed Sheeran of course.

He and I have a few things in common! I wasn’t aware of his love of swords or that he names his guitars, so I’m thankful to this article for this new information.

We both love Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
We both love Game of Thrones.
We both love Star Wars.
I’d totally be obsessed with LEGO too if I could afford it.
We both love swords.
We both name our guitars.
We both play music. Though I’m terrible at it in comparison and still learning.
We’re both geeks.
We both have tattoos, though I’m way behind in comparison…

I’ve been a fan of Ed since before he got famous. Back when he just had one single out and regularly used the body of his guitar as his drum beat. He was different in a good way.

A-Team was a song that helped me through some tough times. I also love LEGO House. Actually, I don’t think there is a Sheeran song I don’t like. Some are quiet and mellow like I See Fire and others are full of energy like Galway Girl.

I have a copy of Ed Sheeran: A Visual Journey that he and his friend Phillip Butah put together. It’s basically a biography with more pictures and graphics than most usually have.

But he actually plays his guitar regularly. I’ve had so much going on with my life lately that I need to rebuild my calluses again. He also sings better.

Anyway, the VMAs are this weekend and I’m hoping to find a place to watch them.

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

Filed under: Music

Frisky Friday – Bedroom Bravery

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I bet there’s something you’ve wanted to try with your lover.

Maybe you’ve worried they’ll think you’re weird.

What if they want to try it too or something like it?

Some things are hard to talk about.

Opening up makes us vulnerable. But vulnerability is one of the most important things in a strong relationship. Seriously. Your partner should be the one person you can open up to about anything, especially what you like in the bedroom or what you’re sexually curious about.

If you can find some courage, you might just have the best weekend sex you’ve had in a long time.

The experiment could also turn out to be less fun than you thought, but you won’t know until you try it out.

Try to ask in a gentle way though. You’re more likely to be successful or at least get your partner to consider it for the future.

Have fun

Thoughtful Thursday – Getting Sorted

[image error]Yesterday was a big day.

It was a pre-orientation day at school. I didn’t do a tour because I already had earlier in the summer. I quickly learned the tour was barely useful for anyone coming from the other side of the building where the bus drops people off. In other words, a large chunk of the student body not living in residence. The bus station was far from the building I needed. After asking people for help along the way, I eventually made it to the common area where most of the services and the main theatre are located.

The next thing I did was get in line for my student card and bus pass. Thankfully, it wasn’t too long when I did it. About 5 minutes after taking my photo, the cards were ready. Technology can be a wonderful thing. The bus pass isn’t usable until September 1st, but I have everything I need to get to school on the 5th.

After cards, I tried to find out about books and software. Largely this was unhelpful. We learned later that those resources won’t be available until the 28th. I’m unsure why the students in charge of the eTexts booth were not given this information.

I grabbed some lunch as I had time to kill. The gluten free options in the cafeteria weren’t great, but there are quite a number of options on campus for food, so I’ll check other ones out later. The bar wasn’t open.

I headed to another building where I found my locker and claimed it. That building was easy to get to from the main area by popping outside and walking across an intersection.

Then I found my friend who actually used to be in derby with me and we went through the rest of the day together. Many of the presentations gave me ideas for what else I might want to do while there to add to my resume. I also learned about bursaries and such that I might be eligible for. I learned about the dental benefits available to me as well.

I came out of the day exhausted from the walking and the information injection, but also excited for school.

I’d love to go to the zip-lining event, but it’s on the same day as my cousin’s wedding. There are a bunch of other things coming up that I might check out though.

I had no trouble with the bus! And the driver gave me his day pass blessing, which came in handy. It’s actually quite easy. From the station not too far from my house, there are 3 buses I can take. Shockingly, it’s the same to get home! This is an unusual experience for me with the OC Transpo system. Also, the one on the way home goes through downtown, so I can stop and do something there easily if I want before going home. I think I’m going to do more because I don’t have to worry about my car and the cost of parking it downtown.

Since it was right near the station by my place, I got a few groceries at Walmart on my way home and a rolling laptop briefcase because carrying things on my back made my neck sore. My feet were sore too by the time I got home and I went to bed a little early.

Something else I enjoyed about the day was that I didn’t have time to spend on social media. I was too busy just living my life. I’m looking forward to doing more of this too.

I also learned I’ll know at least 5 people on campus, which is exciting too! Some not strangers to eat lunch or grab beverages with depending on schedules

Warrior Wednesday – Writer Fu

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Something my grandpa Sensei said resonated with me. He said, “At 5dan we ask “do you have it”. At 6dan we ask “do you own it”. At 7dan we say “can you use it”.”

I think writing is the same as everyone needs to go through stages with it.

So I got thinking about what writing might look like in martial art rank terms and came up with the following ranking system. It’s not perfect as writers often cycle through the upper ranks because as we fix one problem area, we notice the next weak area to fix.

Writer Fu Rank System

White Belt: Without rank. They can coo and yell incoherently.

Yellow Belt: They have said their first word and might be mimicking others.

Orange Belt: They now know a couple of words but may or may not say them correctly.

Green Belt: They can speak in simple sentences.

Blue Belt: They know a lot of words but they get excited easily and often speak so fast they trip over their tongues and can jumble the message.

Brown Belt: They can write some short stories and communicate well though their vocabulary is small.

1st Dan: Onto essays and other complex writing activities in the school system.

2nd Dan: The writer now has a decent sized vocabulary and has written a few things that show some talent. They dabble with writing for fun as a hobby.

3rd Dan: They love the idea of being a writer, and talk about it, but haven’t decided if they want to pursue it further.

4th Dan: The writer falls in love with writing and has started asking how to get better at it.

5th Dan: They begin reading to learn about writing different types of stories.

6th Dan: They write regularly and have attempted to get published. Their vocabulary may be large at this point, but they may use an overly complicated set of words that doesn’t connect with the audience.

7th Dan: The writer studies grammar and trains hard because they want to write well and use the right words.

8th Dan: The writer receives rejections and digs deep to continue despite all odds being against them. Instead of avoiding problems, they continuously improve their skills. Some things get published and they may have even one some awards.

9th Dan: Their work resonates deeply with their audience and they are successful. Few reach this stage. These are the Dan Browns, the JK Rowlings, the Stephen Kings.

10th Dan: A retired level to honour certain masters such as Shakespeare.

There are many different martial arts ranking systems. I chose to use the western karate belt system mixed with the traditional Japanese Dan system as I’ve experienced them in my martial arts journey. Dan ranks are levels of black for those who aren’t aware of this.

Like the martial arts world, occasionally some get there without doing the hard work because they exploit loopholes, are good at marketing, or they break the law in some way. Those people aren’t part of the ranking system.

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

Filed under: Martial Arts, Musings