My life is a strange mixture of experiences. For example, I am a robotics technician student whose passion in life is actually writing... but I work in a higher end clothing store about a year after I was a cable repair technician. Robotics student, writer, cable repair technician, retail girl... and biker.
The way I came to thinking about this was because while I was at work yesterday a woman came in wearing a Harley shirt. She had short, gelled hair, and I just had the craziest feeling that she wasn't just a woman who admires bikes, but actually a biker herself. Instantly I went up to her, hardly containing my excitement, and said, "Hi! Are you a biker?"
Just like that.
Her response? "You just scared the crap out of me. Yes, I am a biker."
So I said, "An actual biker? You own your own bike?"
Oh, yes, indeed she did, and a nice one, too. I'm not going to disclose all details here for the sake of privacy, but yes, she was an actual biker. After she and I had set to talking for a bit, I learned that she once had the exact same bike that I currently have! I bubbled with excitement that I had finally met a customer at work who admires nice clothes, but who also experienced some of the wilder things in life. It was fantastic!
When I ran to my boss to tell her of my discovery, she rolled her eyes.
I rarely ever meet other women who ride a motorcycle, so it was a pretty big bit of excitement for me. There are rallies and things here in the city where it's women bikers only, but I've never been able to attend such an event. Hopefully I will, someday.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Intimate Home Videos - A Good Idea?
There has forever been the question between couples about whether or not they should tape themselves in intimate situations. It could be exciting, thrilling, daring, and a real turn-on in the relationship; however, it could also be one disastrous event all at once.
Couples often make these videos without ever having any intention of letting it get out into the general world, but it does happen. Let's play with some scenarios on this issue.
Scenario 1: The Most Common Scenario
The couple breaks up and one, or both, of the now ex-partners seeks revenge. Suddenly the video is all over the internet and in the possession of each other's co-workers... Ugh.
Scenario 2: An Uncommon Scenario
Some jerk burglarizes your house and steals your videos. Wabam! It's on the internet.
Scenario 3: Risky Business
Your parents come to visit and think that they'd like to watch a video while you prepare dinner. Hello, embarrassment.
Scenario 4: Oops
You and your partner split up and start seeing other people, but for some odd reason you keep the video. The new partner decides to investigate your personal belongings and comes across... Well, you get the idea.
Scenario 5: *Snicker*
Your significant other thinks the video too hot to keep to him/herself, and so shows it to friends. Oh, dear lord.
If you're someone who doesn't care about other people seeing you in your most intimate moments with another human being, then by all means go for it... But if you're someone who really would care about a possible "leak" (no pun intended), then perhaps making videos is just not the thing for you.
Couples often make these videos without ever having any intention of letting it get out into the general world, but it does happen. Let's play with some scenarios on this issue.
Scenario 1: The Most Common Scenario
The couple breaks up and one, or both, of the now ex-partners seeks revenge. Suddenly the video is all over the internet and in the possession of each other's co-workers... Ugh.
Scenario 2: An Uncommon Scenario
Some jerk burglarizes your house and steals your videos. Wabam! It's on the internet.
Scenario 3: Risky Business
Your parents come to visit and think that they'd like to watch a video while you prepare dinner. Hello, embarrassment.
Scenario 4: Oops
You and your partner split up and start seeing other people, but for some odd reason you keep the video. The new partner decides to investigate your personal belongings and comes across... Well, you get the idea.
Scenario 5: *Snicker*
Your significant other thinks the video too hot to keep to him/herself, and so shows it to friends. Oh, dear lord.
If you're someone who doesn't care about other people seeing you in your most intimate moments with another human being, then by all means go for it... But if you're someone who really would care about a possible "leak" (no pun intended), then perhaps making videos is just not the thing for you.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Seven Myths About Your Period
Myth #1: Your period will always show up at the same time every month.
Most women have this figured out within the first few months of having a period, but it still raises some concerned voices from the younger crowd. No, your period will not show up at the exact same time every month, and sometimes it may not show up at all every once in a while if you are new to menstruating. Your period can be assisted in becoming regulated by taking birth control pills, which can also help in relieving severe cramps.
Myth #2: You can't swim while on your period.
This is a myth, as you can swim while on your period; however, you should take precautions before doing so. Your flow will slow down dramatically when you are immersed in water (or at least will usually slow dramatically unless you have a very heavy flow), so it is possible to swim while on your period. Some women use pads in the pool, which actually is not sanitary, nor is it useful because the pad becomes waterlogged and pointless. If you want to use some form of protection in the water, use a tampon. Beware when you get out of the water, though, because your flow could start right back up and make a mess down your legs.
Myth #3: You can't get pregnant when you're on your period.
I don't know who made this one up, but ladies, it's not true. You can very well get pregnant even when you're on your period.
Myth #4: You can take birth control pills with the intent of stopping your period.
This question has come up very often on a site called Yahoo answers, and here are the facts: It is very unhealthy, and even dangerous, to take medication with the intent of stopping your period for a weekend or what have you. Do not do this! It's true that some forms of birth control, such as the injections, will sometimes stop your flow or make you miss periods, but birth control should be used responsibly. It's too bad if you want a weekend in the sheets with your boyfriend when you're on your period - find something else to do if you aren't comfortable with having sex while on your period.
Myth #5: You can't have sex while on your period.
Hm, this point was pretty much covered in myth #3, but I will reiterate it. Yes, you can have sex while you are on your period. There are even little cup products designed specifically for these occasions, or you can just love it up in the shower. Make sure that you're both comfortable, though, or you might have him running for the hills.
Myth #6: The brown gunk means that you're unhealthy.
Not usually, no. The brown stuff that you might experience either before or after your period is just your body doing some spring cleaning. Unless it has a vile smell to it, you're probably okay.
Myth #7: You can't use tampons if you're a virgin.
This myth is so untrue that I wonder who the witch was who made it up. Yes, you can use tampons if you're a virgin. It's recommended to start out with the smallest size to adjust to the feeling and process. Keep in mind, though, that it is possible to break your hymen through tampon use, and tampons are also associated with TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome), which can be fatal.
Most women have this figured out within the first few months of having a period, but it still raises some concerned voices from the younger crowd. No, your period will not show up at the exact same time every month, and sometimes it may not show up at all every once in a while if you are new to menstruating. Your period can be assisted in becoming regulated by taking birth control pills, which can also help in relieving severe cramps.Myth #2: You can't swim while on your period.
This is a myth, as you can swim while on your period; however, you should take precautions before doing so. Your flow will slow down dramatically when you are immersed in water (or at least will usually slow dramatically unless you have a very heavy flow), so it is possible to swim while on your period. Some women use pads in the pool, which actually is not sanitary, nor is it useful because the pad becomes waterlogged and pointless. If you want to use some form of protection in the water, use a tampon. Beware when you get out of the water, though, because your flow could start right back up and make a mess down your legs.Myth #3: You can't get pregnant when you're on your period.
I don't know who made this one up, but ladies, it's not true. You can very well get pregnant even when you're on your period.
Myth #4: You can take birth control pills with the intent of stopping your period.
This question has come up very often on a site called Yahoo answers, and here are the facts: It is very unhealthy, and even dangerous, to take medication with the intent of stopping your period for a weekend or what have you. Do not do this! It's true that some forms of birth control, such as the injections, will sometimes stop your flow or make you miss periods, but birth control should be used responsibly. It's too bad if you want a weekend in the sheets with your boyfriend when you're on your period - find something else to do if you aren't comfortable with having sex while on your period.
Myth #5: You can't have sex while on your period.
Hm, this point was pretty much covered in myth #3, but I will reiterate it. Yes, you can have sex while you are on your period. There are even little cup products designed specifically for these occasions, or you can just love it up in the shower. Make sure that you're both comfortable, though, or you might have him running for the hills.
Myth #6: The brown gunk means that you're unhealthy.
Not usually, no. The brown stuff that you might experience either before or after your period is just your body doing some spring cleaning. Unless it has a vile smell to it, you're probably okay.
Myth #7: You can't use tampons if you're a virgin.
This myth is so untrue that I wonder who the witch was who made it up. Yes, you can use tampons if you're a virgin. It's recommended to start out with the smallest size to adjust to the feeling and process. Keep in mind, though, that it is possible to break your hymen through tampon use, and tampons are also associated with TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome), which can be fatal.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Stand Up for Yourself
Last year I worked as a cable repair technician for a phone company. I was the only female technician in the vicinity, as you can well imagine. That didn't bother me at all, and truth be told, I didn't think about it all that much. In school I am one of something like six females in what started out as a class with over two-hundred guys, so being in the minority sex wasn't a huge issue at the phone company that I worked for.
That is, however, until a particular incident occurred.
It started out harmlessly enough. A unisex poster was put up on the washroom door, saying to knock before entering. Men being men, they completely vandalized the sign by making sexual references. I laughed, because some of it was pretty creative and amusing. It wasn't until one hot afternoon about halfway through the summer that something happened to make me realize that these men were bitter toward having me around.
I was talking to a customer about replacing his phone pedestal while I walked to the back of the truck to put down the mandatory pilons. I was in mid-sentence and lifted the first pilon when something fell to the ground with a clatter. Upon looking down to see what had fallen the first thing I saw was a woman's breast. The customer knelt before I could say anything and picked up the object.
"Where did this come from?" he asked, holding the case out to me. I looked at the case and it was a pornographic DVD, made worse by the fact that it was still in the wrapper, and actually show-cased "shemales" (half-man, half-woman). The message was not lost on me.
I took the DVD and told the customer that a lot of people didn't like the phone company, as is the case with any company, and continued on my way.
There is something to be said about working in a place where the male presence is dominant. They seem to form a clubhouse mentality, and when a woman enters the little gathering, the men get all their feathers ruffled.
I didn't quit my job due to this incident, nor did I make a formal complaint. I advised my manager on the events that had transpired, and he did his own investigation and called a meeting that I was not allowed to attend. Apparently he was very angry, and many guys approached me in the weeks that followed to say that they were sorry that I had had such an experience.
There's no way to know who was responsible for the disgusting joke, but be aware that such things do happen.
That is, however, until a particular incident occurred.
It started out harmlessly enough. A unisex poster was put up on the washroom door, saying to knock before entering. Men being men, they completely vandalized the sign by making sexual references. I laughed, because some of it was pretty creative and amusing. It wasn't until one hot afternoon about halfway through the summer that something happened to make me realize that these men were bitter toward having me around.
I was talking to a customer about replacing his phone pedestal while I walked to the back of the truck to put down the mandatory pilons. I was in mid-sentence and lifted the first pilon when something fell to the ground with a clatter. Upon looking down to see what had fallen the first thing I saw was a woman's breast. The customer knelt before I could say anything and picked up the object.
"Where did this come from?" he asked, holding the case out to me. I looked at the case and it was a pornographic DVD, made worse by the fact that it was still in the wrapper, and actually show-cased "shemales" (half-man, half-woman). The message was not lost on me.
I took the DVD and told the customer that a lot of people didn't like the phone company, as is the case with any company, and continued on my way.
There is something to be said about working in a place where the male presence is dominant. They seem to form a clubhouse mentality, and when a woman enters the little gathering, the men get all their feathers ruffled.
I didn't quit my job due to this incident, nor did I make a formal complaint. I advised my manager on the events that had transpired, and he did his own investigation and called a meeting that I was not allowed to attend. Apparently he was very angry, and many guys approached me in the weeks that followed to say that they were sorry that I had had such an experience.
There's no way to know who was responsible for the disgusting joke, but be aware that such things do happen.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Movie Review - The Ugly Truth
I have to admit that I am a huge fan of chick flicks, as long as they are comedic. When I saw advertisements for The Ugly Truth, I thought, "Hey, why not?" Katherine Heigl, in my opinion, is a semi-talented actress but always amusing to watch on the screen. I've never been a big fan of Gerard Butler (he comes across as a massive grease ball), but he was the perfect character to shine across from Heigl.
Katherine Heigl plays Abby Richter, a sensible, successful television producer who enjoys running cooking shows on the air. Unfortunately, ratings are at an all time low, and while Richter attempts to convince her boss that the ratings will pick up, her boss is sadly unconvinced.
One night while Abby is settling in at home, her cat steps on the remote control for the TV and changes the channel to one called, "The Ugly Truth". With no surprise, there sits Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler), a crass man who mouths off about what he believes to be the truth between men and women. Thoroughly offended by the man's comments, Richter snatches up her phone and puts a call through to Chadway. A brief altercation occurs, Chadway hangs up, and Richter continues on with her life... or so she thinks.
In an attempt to improve ratings, Richter's boss brings in someone who has very high ratings on his own TV segment - Mike Chadway.
It's impossible to write any more about the movie without spoiling the hilarious twists and turns of events, but allow me to leave you with this: What I got from the movie was a very crude sense of humour that I did not expect, but found absolutely laugh-out-loud hilarious. Richter and Chadway have such a clash of personalities that somehow mesh at the same time (especially when Chadway becomes Richter's dating coach... Have I said too much?). The comedic events had me laughing my buns off, which is rare for a chick flick.
It's definitely not what I expected; it was a hell of a lot better.
Rating: A
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Long Distance Love - Is it for You?
Relationships in general have a lot of mountains to climb with plenty of compromises, but when one adds a long distance relationship into the mix, things can get very complicated indeed. The usual dating relationship involves making plans for dates, spacing out time accordingly between loved ones, coming up with good conversations... All of these things can be difficult in a "normal" relationship. It isn't until someone tries a long distance relationship that the truth is realized about how much work actually goes into making such a relationship continue on strongly.
For instance, a point that comes up very often is the subject of trust. A "normal" relationship requires trust as it is, but it's much easier to trust someone who you see on a regular basis. Try to trust someone whom you see maybe once a week, maybe just once a month. The gap between the two situations is enormous, and suddenly it seems that there is a lot more work involved in the long distance relationship.
Another common issue with long distance relationships is that of communication. When two people don't get to see each other on a regular basis, they may resort to using technology such as webcams, cell phones, microphones, telephones, etc. to keep in touch. The important thing is to maintain comfortable, in depth communication. Long distance relationships can very possibly work out, but only if people are willing to put work into them. If the conversations start to dry up and become non-existent, then it becomes the equivalent of two strangers randomly planning to meet once in a while, and that's it. There is no solid relationship.
One of the more challenging aspects of a long distance relationship is to keep one's self in control. When there isn't a significant other around for long periods of time, it is common for one partner, or both, to start taking note of other people who attract them. It becomes easier and easier to meet someone else for "just a coffee". This has to be avoided if there is any hope to maintain the long distance relationship. Effort needs to be put forth in the rare meetings that the couple get to remind each other why they are striving to be together.
Long distance relationships can work out, but both partners have to be strong, independent people. Don't get involved in a long distance relationship if you can't handle it - it just causes a lot of heart ache.
For instance, a point that comes up very often is the subject of trust. A "normal" relationship requires trust as it is, but it's much easier to trust someone who you see on a regular basis. Try to trust someone whom you see maybe once a week, maybe just once a month. The gap between the two situations is enormous, and suddenly it seems that there is a lot more work involved in the long distance relationship.
Another common issue with long distance relationships is that of communication. When two people don't get to see each other on a regular basis, they may resort to using technology such as webcams, cell phones, microphones, telephones, etc. to keep in touch. The important thing is to maintain comfortable, in depth communication. Long distance relationships can very possibly work out, but only if people are willing to put work into them. If the conversations start to dry up and become non-existent, then it becomes the equivalent of two strangers randomly planning to meet once in a while, and that's it. There is no solid relationship.
One of the more challenging aspects of a long distance relationship is to keep one's self in control. When there isn't a significant other around for long periods of time, it is common for one partner, or both, to start taking note of other people who attract them. It becomes easier and easier to meet someone else for "just a coffee". This has to be avoided if there is any hope to maintain the long distance relationship. Effort needs to be put forth in the rare meetings that the couple get to remind each other why they are striving to be together.
Long distance relationships can work out, but both partners have to be strong, independent people. Don't get involved in a long distance relationship if you can't handle it - it just causes a lot of heart ache.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Skirts and Fatigues
I was sitting here, going over my other blog (Smear on the Wall), when I realized that I couldn't make my fiancé suffer through my posts about women's issues. Hence, Skirts and Fatigues was born. This blog is going to be here to address women's issues, ranging from health articles to popular movements and trends. I'm sure that this blog will evolve over time as both society and myself evolve, and it'll all be a welcome change.
As said in my description of myself at the side, I am going through school to be a robotics and automation technician, and then hopefully to be an electrical engineer. As you can imagine the male influence on my life has been rather extravagant, as the majority of my friends growing up were male, not to mention that my older brother and I have had a pretty good bond as far as siblings go. My robotics class consisted of approximately six girls in a class of over two hundred people in the first semester, and then a populace of four girls with one hundred twenty guys in the second semester.
The reason that I am reiterating this information is simply because I want to demonstrate how I plan to integrate two different worlds into one, while still addressing the differences in the sexes. Why can't women talk about the next huge technical advances while still admire a beautiful dress and matching pair of shoes? This blog isn't about woman power, but rather life itself as a woman.
Please note that any information here related to health will simply be researched, or based from personal experiences. None of it should be taken as medical advice.
As said in my description of myself at the side, I am going through school to be a robotics and automation technician, and then hopefully to be an electrical engineer. As you can imagine the male influence on my life has been rather extravagant, as the majority of my friends growing up were male, not to mention that my older brother and I have had a pretty good bond as far as siblings go. My robotics class consisted of approximately six girls in a class of over two hundred people in the first semester, and then a populace of four girls with one hundred twenty guys in the second semester.
The reason that I am reiterating this information is simply because I want to demonstrate how I plan to integrate two different worlds into one, while still addressing the differences in the sexes. Why can't women talk about the next huge technical advances while still admire a beautiful dress and matching pair of shoes? This blog isn't about woman power, but rather life itself as a woman.
Please note that any information here related to health will simply be researched, or based from personal experiences. None of it should be taken as medical advice.
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