Dear Japan, we're here for you.

8.9 earthquake in Japan today. As I was standing listening to the national anthem this morning, I couldn't help but think about what if it were me in that situation. What if there was an earthquake. What would I do? How would I react? It was really hard to grasp the fact that in that situation, I would lose a lot of things that mean a lot to me. Would my family be okay? Would my memories be washed away? I wouldn't have a normal day anymore. School, work, pursuing my passions, all gone.

I set a new goal for myself to be more giving. To try and put others first. And I want to help out. But I'm not too sure how. But I'm definitely going to try and get another volunteer job this summer, maybe packing supplies with the Red Cross, or even just helping out locally.

Cause the thing that really moved me the most today standing there during the national anthem was the fact that I've been given so much in my life. And even through the tough times, and times when I wanted things to end, I've been very fortunate. It's a shame that I'm only truly seeing this now, but I have been given so much and now it's time to pass it on.

I don't want to save the world and fix every problem. I just want to make this crazy journey through life a little easier for someone else.

--Tee

White Flag

Finally, another video up on Youtube. Hopefully I'll be able to make more artistic ones over March Break. EXCITED to be out of school! Two days left.

-Tee

Completely unproductive.

Well, this weekend was the most unproductive two days I have ever had. Whoops.

I just can't bring myself to enjoy math. I really can't.

So much math!

So this semester, I have Finance, Data Management, and Calculus. Let me just say that it is no fun. There's no class discussion, all the homework's the same (and takes up a lot longer than I would like it to), and to be honest, I'm not getting extraordinary marks. Thank goodness I'm involved in stuff outside of school. Otherwise, I'd go CRAZY.

-Tee

Meeting Dorothy

So today I ventured down (and got lost on my way) to meet with Dorothy Engelman.

Let me start by saying how great it was. I've never imagined to be in that office and see what I did. It's like looking into a different place. The walls are coloured, it's an open concept office, there's technology and people wearing whatever they want to. The office was relaxed and bright and I thought to myself, wow, if I could work in a place like this! More offices should adapt this.

I has a chance to sit down with her and have a chat. She is SO nice. The way she carried herself was so confident and sure and positive. Even though she was super busy and I was probably in the way of everything in the office, she was still kind and made time to ensure that I was okay. A great leader? That'd be an understatement. She's also has great social skills and is just a great business person (even though she hasn't taken any business courses).

She also inspired me to be a better person. Watching her work, I saw that determination and focus. She knows how to keep on track with work while keeping a positive attitude. Talking to her made me want to be a better person and carry myself in the way she did. She also inspired me to continue with the arts and really motivated me to follow these goals that I have.

It's hard to describe it but on my way home, I felt changed. She didn't have to invite me to go meet her. And she didn't have to take time out of her busy schedule. And she didn't have to be nice to be. But she was. And that's what I admire about her. That's what I want to do from hereon in. I don't have to, but it's still nice to do so.

She offered me a summer internship with the business. I really can't believe it. This is like a dream.

I never imagined my day to go so well. Meeting Dorothy completely makes up for the fact that I completely failed my calculus test today.

-Tee

Woah.

Well hello America.

For the first time EVER, this blog has gotten more views from the USA than from Canada. WOAH. Mind blown. =) No country has ever exceeded Canada.

p.s. If you're reading this, please comment and let me know 1) Your country, 2) How you found this. I really want to know how I got 40 views this week from the US, Canada, Japan, Russia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Italy, and Slovenia. Oh, and thanks for stopping by. You make me smile.

Shut Up

It's time for me to start making my own mistakes.

"There you go
You're always so right
It's all a big show
It's all about you

You think you know
What everyone needs
You always take time
To criticize me

It seems like everyday
I make mistakes
I just can't get it right

It's like I'm the one
You love to hate
But not today

So shut up, shut up, shut up
Don't wanna hear it
Get out, get out, get out
Get out of my way
Step up, step up, step up
You'll never stop me
Nothing you say today
Is gonna bring me down

There you go
You never ask why
It's all a big lie
Whatever you do

You think you're special
But I know, and I know
And I know, and we know
That you're not

You're always there to point
Out my mistakes
And shove them in my face

It's like I'm the one
You love to hate
But not today

So shut up, shut up, shut up
Don't wanna hear it
Get out, get out, get out
Get out of my way
Step up, step up, step up
You'll never stop me
Nothing you say today
Is gonna bring me down
Is gonna bring me down

Will never bring me down

Don't tell me who I should be
And don't try to tell me what's right for me
Don't tell me what I should do
I don't wanna waste my time
I'll watch you fade away

So shut up, shut up, shut up
Don't wanna hear it
Get out, get out, get out
Get out of my way
Step up, step up, step up
You'll never stop me
Nothing you say today
Is gonna bring me down

Shut up, shut up, shut up
Don't wanna hear it
Get out, get out, get out
Get out of my way
Step up, step up, step up
You'll never stop me
Nothing you say today
Is gonna bring me down

Bring me down
{shut up, shut up, shut up}
Won't bring me down
{shut up, shut up, shut up}
Bring me down
{shut up, shut up, shut up}
Won't bring me down

Shut up, shut up, shut up"

--Simple Plan

Planet's Aligned?

There's something going on this year, and I'm not sure what. But what ever it is...I really like it. My teacher actually told me today that this is turning out to be a great year for me. I really do agree. Even though there were times when things got rough, and times when things got really rough, I still can't help but smile. Because at the end of it all, there will always be good and bad times, but living in this moment right here, right now, it's pretty much amazing.

Here's what's been happening:

I was 8th place at DECA Provincials this year. Who would've guessed? AND I got 100% on one of my case studies. Unheard of. My whole goal was to NOT make a fool out of myself this year like I did last year and I guess I did more than not make a fool out of myself.

I don't know if I got smarter or the competition got easier. Either way, I'm happy because a one-week trip to Orlando, Florida sounds AMAZING.

On the downside of that, a one-week trip means one week away from school. If I don't want to pay for tuition next year, I need at least a 90% in calculus. This is going to be tough. And what about ultimate frisbee? I want to join, that's my second family, but can I sacrifice school for it? But even if I had all the time in the world, would I still get a good mark in calculus? Ugh, that's what's been keeping me up every night.

On the plus side, I got accepted to my second choice university (which would be my first if I didn't visit the other campus) with a $5000 scholarship off the bat, plus any entrance/other scholarships I can get. Mind blown.

Work has been pretty cool, I've done a lot more book keeping stuff which is nice. I'm excited to actually become a C.A. It's also nice to go from thinking while doing bookkeeping back to mindless typing at the front desk.

I'm finally getting to meet Dorothy Engelman too. We scheduled a meeting for January but her work got in the way and she just recently emailed me to reschedule. I thought she would've forgotten or that it wasn't a huge priority. This just shows how great she is. Really. I'm so excited. It's not everyday that you get to meet one of your role models.

=)

-Tee

5 Second Blogging

Ugh, no time and no energy. Let's just say things are going SUPER well. =)

January Updates

For my business management class, we had to make a documentary about a leader and I chose one of my role models, Dorothy Engelman. This video took way longer than it should have but what do you expect when you give a film nerd an excuse to work on a video until four in the morning?

Plus, she's so kind and has invited me to go meet her! Eek! I'm excited beyond words!!!

I've been pretty swamped with university applications, and school (grr, exams coming up!), and work, and volunteering, and extra-curriculars, and keeping my sanity but I'll be back to normal soon. Promise. That means I'll keep updating this blog, updating my Youtube, updating my Dailybooth. =) I like the internet.

Plus, I'm working on another video for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario so stayed tuned. I'm really excited about it! I spent a full day filming at their offices (which pretty much tried me out) but it was so worth it. I also got to meet one of my Youtube subscribers at that event...that was SO cool! And none of that would be possible if it wasn't for everyone who supported my Ruling the World 101 video. Thanks again for helping me win the Rule the Tube Contest! They gave me an awesome plaque for it! Thank you ICAO!

AWARD PHOTO!

As tough as life gets, I'm really grateful for what's happened to me so far...senior year will ALWAYS be remembered. I'm so excited to see what the future holds, but first, exam studying!

xox - Tee

p.s. Wow, I'm in a really good mood for some reason...