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I suppose that since she is now in her second trimester, it’s okay for me to exclaim that I’m going to be a first-time Auntie in only a few months! Trevor and Laura are expecting their first child in April, 2009 and I could not be happier for them.

Throughout my teens and very early 20s, I couldn’t wait to be a mommy. The idea was thoroughly exciting, and it was one of the only things my close girlfriends and I aspired to. One particular girlfriend, Sarah, even bought me a baby name book and baby booties for my 20th birthday (I can’t believe I even just admitted to that)! Two days ago I found out that Sarah is also pregnant and due around the same time as Laura. I am thrilled for her!

This is me, many years ago. I was pretty cute.

When we all first found out that Laura was with child, my mom became slightly concerned for me, being that I’m the older sibling and that, in theory, I should’ve become the first parent. My response was simply that I’m glad that it’s them and not me. C’est what?

As we all get older, we no doubt change in many ways. I no longer feel to be the sentimental romantic I used to be. Doing something practical and helpful for me is more heartwarming than a dozen roses. And having a baby is no longer something I feel is on my must do list - and I’m not the only one.

Another girlfriend of mine and her husband are constantly pestered by family and friends as to when they’re going to pop one out, but it simply is not on their priority list right now. And yet, so many question “what’s wrong with them?” It is far too easy to slip into a life built around someone else’s definitions of happiness and success.

This is not to say that I will never have a baby and isn’t to say that I don’t want to be a mother. It is to say that, right now, it isn’t where I’m at. Right now, I like dogs more than kids. Right now, I like that I can go out and shell out a couple hundred dollars on something new and fabulous for myself instead of diapers and burping cloths. Right now, I like that I can sleep for 10 hours on weekends.

Selfish of me? Perhaps to some. But at least I’m being honest with myself and living the life that I want to live - not the life someone else wants me to live.

Tonight’s plan, post-shower, was to grab a chick flick and head to bed. I realized that I really can’t go to bed on my brother’s 23rd birthday without honouring him with a quick post. A little over a month ago, I wrote something dedicated to my brother and the relationship that we have grown to have over the past few years. To repeat myself again today would be pointless…it all still stands.

Today he turned 23, and is that much more of a man. Within days, he and his girlfriend are making a permanent move to Dawson Creek. I know it’s a responsible decision that will benefit them both in the long-term, but I’ll miss them both terribly, Trevor especially.

To this, Trevor, on your 23rd year, I wish you health and happiness and joy. I love you very much.

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On a quick side note before I sign off for the night, I want to draw your attention to the sidebar, solely for my own benefit. There’s a badge. If you click it, you better my chances of winning a contest. I want Hanson to write a song for me. It would be all kinds of amazing. Won’t you please, please support me? I’ll give you the puppydog lip if you need it.

Bye.

The Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, located on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island just south of Telegraph Cove, is a sanctuary dedicated to protecting, monitoring and studying the local killer whale habitat. It’s an area that’s completely closed to the public, including all non-destructive recreationalists.

Approximately 24 hours ago, a pod of 14 killer whales was spotted within the reserve swimming through an oil slick at an area estimated to be about two kilometres long at the time. Since then, the threat to the area has grown to an estimated 14 kilometres and is still growing. It’s thought that the cause of the toxic spill is that of an overturned barge which was carrying vehicular cargo near the area. It’s not yet been determined how the accident happened, but speculation has already begun that the barge itself was traveling through protected waters.

To hear stories like this enrages me to no end. I am so thankful that I’ve been blessed enough with the ability to appreciate the land, habitat and oceans that we as British Columbians have been endowed with. I can’t for the life of me understand why something like this can even happen, and it’s heartbreaking to think that anyone could possibly have such disregard for a precious commodity. If anything, instances such as this one should only serve the purpose of teaching us that we are the only ones responsible for protecting what we have. And that, I believe, begins with education. To learn more about this story, the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve or how you can help preserve British Columbia’s killer whale population, please follow the links below.

“Whales Spotted Swimming Through Oil Slick Off Vancouver Island“ - CBC News
Robson Bight Ecological Reserve
British Columbia Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program

Photo courtesy of makeupanid on Flickr.

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My friend Kyle and I met many, many years ago through his older brother Ryan. Kyle has long been fascinated with art, painting and drawing and his talent has never been lost on anyone. Recently Kyle lost a good friend of his in a tragic 4×4 quad accident. As a fitting tribute to his friend and the community they were all involved in, Kyle and a friend created the video below to honour and remember Keith Dickenson. If you have a minute, check it out. It’s a beautiful acknowledgment and, as always, Kyle’s skill blows me away. He’s the one in the plaid shirt and jaunty little cap.

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This weekend my “baby” brother turns 23. Exciting, isn’t it? I managed to order his custom, one-of-a-kind birthday present today. He’d better like it too or I’ll have to kick him in the shins. It means I’ll be making the trek home yet again this Friday, the third time this month. Truth be told, I don’t mind one bit.

Speaking of truths, I’ve been feeling terribly anti-social lately. Nothing excites me more than my TV and pajamas. Except maybe sleep. Sleep is really exciting!

P.S. Mom, don’t you think that adopting a killer whale would make a great birthday present for someone special other than Trevor? I do.