My Second Job In My First World

Dear Diary:

In addition to my regular "pays-in-first-world" job, I take on a position of sessional lecture at a local post secondary institute.  It gets me out of an environment where I only work with a couple of people everday. Suddenly I'm thrown into a room where I deal with over 60.  I enjoy the teaching very much and working with students is very rewarding...ummm...and frustrating at the same time.

I do teach a subject that I deal with in my job so I do know a lot about that but sometimes a student will ask me something beyond my realm of knowledge.  That's so good!  It does show they're enthusiastic about the subject but more than that, it stimulates my brain and keeps me current.

I admire anyone who goes into the education profession.  It's a tough job.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Lashes: MC Falsies
Makeup: mock Pandora's Gingersnaps and Champagne (store not open yet)
Hair: Argrace Sae

Sweater: fame femme sweater (white)
Skirt: fame femme skirt (beigie)
Shoes: G&D Footwear Gussie v1 (white/choco)
Necklace and earrings: Meva Greta set (colours)
Glasses: ZOOM Milus
Briefcase: Virtually Visual Colour changing Leather briefcase (SL Marketplace)

Desk: Newchurch Mission Executive Desk and chair
Blackboard: Really useful classroom blackboard (SL Marketplace)

Pose: -no wow- (no longer available)

The Second (Almost) Annual UnEVENTful Challenge

Dear Diary:

Yesterday I was reading a blog by PeepSideshow Darkward, called "Pics by Peep".  It's informative, current and she takes great pictures.  She is again proposing "The Second (Almost) Annual UnEVENTful Challenge".  The Challenge is to take a picture of yourself, not wearing anything that was purchased at an event.  I thought this was a tremendous idea!

Now don't get me wrong.  I love events and I manage to go to a lot of them...and spend many $$.  When one works full time, has responsibilities and needs sleep, it's not easy to check out all the stores on the grid so if different items are central it makes it a lot easier.  When I fly into an event, I can easily see what's trendy in clothes, shoes and hair while often checking on decor and landscaping at the same time. However, getting into the venue is always a problem and sometimes they're so large that I lose interest.  I always prefer going to the store and purchasing there.  So I was up for the Challenge.

Everything I have on was purchased in a store, not at an event. Some of the items were older but I flew back to each store and so far all items are still available. 

This was an interesting test for everyone to try.  Check out Peep's Challenge.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Lashes: MC Falsies
Shadow and Lipstick: Madrid Solo U-color it
Mani / Pedi: The Wicked Peach Spring basics
Hair: Dura boy 44

Dress: !gO! Gabi dress (7)
Cardigan: tram JI cardigan with colour HUD
Shoes: KC Couture Amy ballerina flats
Earrings: Maxi Gossamer Shell Teardrop (Sea Pearl)

Pose: !bang stand (now only in SL Marketplace)

Location: The Keys

Fulfilling My Shoe Fetish

Dear Diary:

I'm a sucker shoes!  My closet in both my worlds is filled with shoes that I've fallen for over many years.  And when the shoes are animal prints, in particular leopard, I'm a goner.  

When I saw these wedges by Gos at FaMESHED, I just had to have them.        

Luckily I had just bought this stylish and very sexy dress at Tetra so my outfit was complete.  

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Lashes: MC Falsies
Eye Shadow: mock Bright beige
Lipstick: mock Lip Colour (twine)
Mani / Pedi: Shakeup! Nails Applier (basic dark)
Hair: Entwined Zoe (at The Crossroads til Sept 28)

Dress: Tetra Sahara dress (latte)
Shoes: Gos Boutique Annette wedges (leopard) (at FaMESHed til Sept 27)
Necklaces and Earrings: Maxi Gossamer Boho Bliss Tassel-tastic (long & short)

Mirror: La Galleria Ivory Plank Cheval Mirror

Poses: Flash Friendly Poses 

Honour Your Grandparents Today

Dear Diary:

Every September there's an observance to honour elders, grandparents, that have had an impact on your life.  I've written about Granparents' Day before.  I valued my grandparents and was very lucky to have them in my life, if only for a very short time. 

As a kid, I probably didn't listen hard enough to the stories; I definitely didn't pay attention to the "should and should-nots"; and I often refused to try and learn the language.  I regret all of this now, as an adult, but of course it's too late.

If you still are fortunate to have grandparents, tell them how much you love them on their day.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Wrinkles: Izzie's All Face Wrinkles
Shape: Ruby Skins (Ruby)
Hair: LaLa Moon Dream

Dress: Meli Imako Polka Dot Retro (blue) (SL Marketplace)
Slippers: mi pop Stark white slippers (SL Marketplace)
Glasses: je suis charmante (red) 

Carpet: kunst boho carpet (no longer available)
Lamp: The Infinite Living Room Simplicity floor lamp (no longer available)

Pose (with rocker and knitting) What Next Knitanista

No Work On Labour Day

Dear Diary:

Once Labour Day comes, it brings the last long weekend of summer.  The day is designated a statutory holiday in Canada so government offices and most retail stores are closed to allow employees to enjoy a long weekend and hopefully the good weather.  I'm one who is choosing to really relish the time to relax.

Wherever you are, I hope you manage to have a wonderful weekend and Labour Day with no labour!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Insol Sophie
Mani/Pedi: The Wicked Peach Spring Basics
Hair: Entwined Melody

Tee: Addams Jennifer Round neck (heaven)
Jeans: Tetra high waisted ripped jeans (#5)
Sunglasses: ieQED Joss shades (white)

Hammock (with pose): Heart Garden Centre Romantic Couples hammock (natural)

Location: My beach front

The Last Beach Day For This Season

Dear Diary:

Summer seems to be making an exit in my part of the world...and it's leaving fast! Mornings are cool now, warming up by afternoon but going back down when the sun hits the horizon.  Even in my second world, I'm thinking fall time is just around the corner.

So I dialed up Chloe and said, "Let's get together for one more beach afternoon before we have to start wearing our winter clothes."  She was all for it.

I think this is the last bathing suit day we'll have for awhile.

Good Night for now.

Chloe is wearing:
Hair: Argrace Misao
Bikini: LazyBones Luna Bikini (Tie Dye 1)

I'm wearing:
Hair: sWEET Hair sWEET FACES Kimberley
Swimsuit: Dead Dollz Lupe (Zebra)

Pose: ANA BFF Loyalty (no longer available)

I Enjoy Having A Pet

Dear Diary:

I love having a pet, especially a dog.  I've always had dogs, growing up as a kid, and right into adulthood.  My last dog died a few years back and I've been missing the companionship so I think it's time to add to my household again.

Usually I've brought home pups or adult dogs from the Humane Society since I hate to think of their fate if they don't go to a home.  They've always proven to be loving, loyal pets.

So when I got this cute lab in a basket, I thought I would look for a dog park to take him to.  Instead I found a wonderful location as a tribute for rescuing dogs.  You must fly out and take a look.  It's a beautiful park setting with a small river, a variety of trees and flowers.  There are numerous signs talking about groups that rescue abused and abandoned animals and then offer them for adoption or fostering.  Not only is it a very picturesque and peaceful place to visit, it was very informative and a nice recognition to groups who look after animals.  

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Insol Sophie
Eye shadow: Veechi Lush Tropical Shadow (aqua)
Mani / Pedi: Zoz Beachy solids
Hair: Mina Odyle (at Tres Chic til September 5)

Dress: fame femme Striped dress Mix Lemon (at Chapter Four til August 24)
Sandals: Maitreya Gold Taupe

Pose (with lab and basket): Q Poses

Location: The Rescue Park

A Day At The Courts

Dear Diary:

The Olympics are on in full force now and everytime I turned the television on it seemed someone was doing some fantastic athletic venture.  Wow!  That made me feel so guilty!  I've been having a truly relaxing vacation but watching these athletes made me feel like a sloth.  I decided I'd better put down the book; get off of the couch; and start moving.

I used to play tennis regularly a few years back.  I enjoyed getting out in the fresh air and working up a sweat.  I decided I would check out my second world for tennis courts and I found a great one.

The Ma Ohi Beach Resort provides patrons the ability to participate in many different sports.  When I went to the tennis court, a couple was already playing so I had to wait my turn.  Unfortunately I didn't come with a partner so I waited until another single player showed up and we got a good game going.  Unfortunately I lost. (Just like in my real world!)  I need to practice more so I will go back to try it out again.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Insol Sophie
Hair: Oh o_x (no longer available)

Dress: Blueberry Mima (white)
Sneakers: Gos Boutique Low Tops (white)
Visor: KW Ice Cream Guwrap visor (SL Marketplace)

Pose (with raquet and ball): Repose Ace

Location: Ma Ohi Beach Resort 

A Stroll Around A Lovely Town

Dear Diary:

There are so many great shopping events going on now that I decided to take in a few of them while on vacation.  Yes...shopping can be a relaxing thing for me.

I flew into a few venues and managed to run the card up many lindens.  Of course some of the newer events were packed full so I thought I would leave those for another time.  I decided to check out Crestwick Island, a very picturesque village area.  Walking along the streets, peering in shop windows and eventually stopping for a great cup of tea, finished my day off with a peaceful enjoyment.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Insol Sophie
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Lashes: MC Falsies
Hair: Argrace Azami
Hair Scarf: Asteria Stela Bandana (tinted)

Dress: Aphorism Nicole maxi dress Boho
Sandals: Pure Poison Fringe flat sandal (brown)
Earrings: D-Style Loops
Bracelet: AvaWay Elvira bracelet
Bag: Luas Beach Bag

Pose: Katink

Location: Crestwick Island

Follow Safety At The Beach

Dear Diary:

Because of the hot weather in both my worlds, there have been a lot of spectators coming to my beach.  I don't mind them coming at all but I do want them to be safe when they decide to take the boat out or go for a refreshing dip in the water.

In my high school days, I worked as a lifeguard for a few summers at one of the beaches around my home.  It could be relaxing when there weren't too many people in the water but one had to be vigilant on hot days when it was crowded.

Enjoy the wonderful weather we're having but keep safe around the water.


Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Insol Sophia
Sand: Izzie's Body and Face Beach Sand
Hair: Elua Yepa

Bikini: paper arrow co. bikini top and cheekies (mint)
Tank: paper arrow co. beach tank (aloha)
Cap: Sports hat (no sure where I got it)
Bracelet: Izzie's tropical bracelet

Lifeguard chair: Sway's lifeguard chair (ship's wheel)

It's Hot! How Hot Is It? It's So Hot That....

Dear Diary:

...I'm sitting on my beach with a hand-held fan close to my face, trying to get cool! 

It's been very hot for me in my first world.  Usually my part of the country is warm and sunny but not with the extreme heat we have had over the past week.  The thermometer hit 34C the other day, so without any air moving, it made it impossible to get any relief.  That was a sleepless night for me.  

I shouldn't complain.  I'll remember this when the temperature drops to -34C in January.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Lipstick: adored Kalie (bronze) (at The Dressing Room til July 30)
Hair: EMO-tions Windblown 8

Tank and shorts: |sYs| Havana (rainbow) (at Shiny Shabby til August 15)
Flip flops: ILLI Miriel flip flops (tinted orange)

Fan: RC Cluster fans of summer (beach)

Chair: Lisp Vintage Shores deck chairs (yellow sun) (at COLLABOR88 til August 6)

Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay

Dear Diary:

Sittin' in the morning sun

I'll be sittin' when the evening comes

Watching the ships roll in

Then I watch them roll away again

(Thanks to Otis Redding for the song and the thoughts)

I decided I would start my relaxing vacation by going to the docks, sit in the sun and watch the sail boats out in the harbour.  As I was sitting here, the words from the song just seemed to fit perfectly.

A relaxing start to my vacation!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Insol Sophie
Hair with hat: LeLutka Breeze

Tee: NX Nardcotix Kala shirt (nude)
Shorts: DE designs Heather shorts Jeans (light blue)
Sneakers: Gos Boutique Low Tops (white)
Earrings: DStyle Loops

Pose: in chair

Location: Little London

Thinking About My Summer Plans

Dear Diary:

Summer is finally here and I'm loving sitting in the warm sunshine.  There hasn't been a lot of hot weather yet but I know it will be coming soon.  And now I'm thinking about what to do with my time this summer.

I don't have a lot of vacation coming my way as I took some  after my accident so I'm trying to plan every day I have wisely.  Right now, I think sitting in the sun; reading a few books that I haven't sat down with; spending time with friends; relaxing as much as I can; and, taking care of myself sounds wonderful.

Hope we all have a summer like that!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Eyelashes: Mon Cheri falsies
Nail polish: DMZ Blizzard mani & pedi
Lipstick: ZOZ Ingavi #14
Hair: monso My Hair Yoni

Jumpsuit: The Secret Store Lana Romper (charcoal)
Jacket: The Secret Store Sage Lacey jacket (charcoal)
Sandals: kokoia Halle woman (black)

Septum ring: Angelle beaded septum ring FREE (SL Marketplace)
Tat: KP Designs tattoo Flower decorative (SL Marketplace)

My Thinking Chair: Myrrine Noir Collection (pattern)

O Canada! Celebrate The Day!

Dear Diary:

July 1st is a day I get together in both worlds, with my friends and family for a bonfire.  We roast whatever we can over the fire and it always tastes better than cooking it in the house.  After supper (and when it's dark enough), we finish the evening with fireworks.

To all my Canadian friends, have a wonderful July 1st.


Good Night for now.

Chloe is wearing:
Hair with hat: Argrace Bucket hat Kai
Tee: Canadian crop top (no longer available)
Shorts: Pixicat Tilde Shorts highwaisted (blue)
Sneakers: Gos Boutique Low Tops (cherry)

Sam is wearing:
Tee: TRD Male Rigged Canadian Flag T-shirt (SL Marketplace)
Shorts: Casa de Shai Men's Denim Shorts (red)
Flip flops: Flite Summer Flip Flops

I'm wearing:
Hair: Cheveux F063
Tee: Coded women's Knotted tee (Canadian chick) (SL Marketplace)
Capris: Mutresse Caca Pants 
Flip flops: Illi Meriel Flip Flops

Camper: 22769 (bauwerk) Vintage camper (teal)
Fire with poses: !bang (Fireside chats)

Location: The beach by my home

A June Wedding is So Romantic

Dear Diary:

I always wanted to wear a wedding gown in my second world.  Oh yes, I've been partnered but never seem to get around to the actual "ceremony".  It got me thinking that I would like to do a post wearing a wonderfully romantic creation.  After all, June is THE month for tying the knot.

So when I received this beautifully constructed and elegantly assembled '30's wedding gown as a group gift, I wanted to take a picture right away.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy (including rose lipstick and brown eyeshadow)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Lashes: MC Falsies
Hair: EMO-tions Lotte (at Hairology until June 30)

Wedding dress: Meli Imako 30's wedding dress (group gift)
Shoes: Gos Boutique Sophia Peeptoe (white)
Bouquet: L&B wedding flowers Bridal Bouquet Calla & Rose (antique)
Earrings and necklace: Finesmith Grace diamonds

Pose: Flash Friendly Poses (no longer available; some on SL Marketplace)

Scoping Out The Vintage Fair Was Fab!

Dear Diary:

Everyone knows I love era clothes so I always make an effort to visit the Vintage Fair when it comes to town.  This year I went ape!

I have a picture of my Grandmother wearing a twirly skirt with lots of crinolines underneath and sporting a beehive, the hair style of choice during the early 60's, along with the blue eyeshadow and pink lipstick.  I found the perfect outfit to copy the look.

I was freaking out when I flew into the Fair.  I just went ape over all the things I could buy.  I had to peel out in the caddy before my scratch was zilch.  This required a pic but it looks like I'm on the make.  Outta sight! 

Don't have a cow if you haven't visited the Vintage Fair yet!  There's a few days left.

btw...the 60 slang words are courtesy of my Grandma.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing from the Vintage Fair:
Hair: Letituier Beck
Dress: Kathleen's Paris dress (cream)
Shoes: Essenz Manila (red)

Others items:
Car (with pose): Image Essentials Classic Caddy

Thinking About Humanity

Dear Diary:

We are human.  We display human traits.  But after the events in Florida last week, the idea of humanity made me think. 

By dictionary version, humanity means "the quality or state of being human; and, the quality or state of being kind to other people or to animals".  Can this be true?  Are we kind?  Right now, it doesn't seem an honest evaluation.  And yet we bond together in times of tragedy or conflict.  We support each other and are able to empathize with someone in need.  Why can't we be like this at all times?  Why can't we treat each other with graciousness constantly?

Acceptance is difficult for a few.  Lifestyles differ and some don't have the flexibility to acknowledge that humans are not all the same.  This ignorance turns into bigotry, turns into intolerance and then to hatred.  What makes us be so egotistical that we think we have to be all the same?  And that we have to punish those of us that are different?

As humans we share many similarities.  Let's turn that sameness into positive acceptance.

My thoughts are with the survivors and families left without their loved ones.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:

Body: Maitreya Lara

Eye lids: Slink mesh lids and lashes

Skin: Insol Sophia

Lines: Izzie's Face Wrinkles and Forehead lines

Tears: Izzie's I'm Not Feeling Well

Hair: LeLutka Sheera

Top: Addams Dixie T-shirt (black)

Skirt: Vitrimi Pencil Skirt (striped)

Sandals: Essenz Tripoli (white)

Rings: Izzie's Celestial Midi rings (silver)

Necklace and bracelet: Izzie's Chunky Chain jewelry (silver)

Chair: Myrrine Noir collection (floral)

I'm Off To A Conference

Dear Diary:

I enjoy going to conferences.  I always receive a lot of new information.  So next week I'm off to listen and learn.

The workshops I can pick, cover a wide variety of topics and never bore me.  The guest speakers are very informative and manage to put a new spin on data.  But where I get most of my tips and knowledge is after the sessions, at night, over a lovely dinner.

It seems my colleagues enjoy talking over good food and a nice glass of wine.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:

Body: Maitreya Lara

Skin: Izzie's Romy

Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)

Eyelashes: MC Falsies

Lipstick: Izzie's Romy (peach)

Nail polish: Mons Spring Collection - Galaxy

Hair: Amacci Hair Alva

Dress: Thalia Heckroth Paola dress (sky)

Earrring: je suis tente (sky)

Name tag: !BF! HELLO my name is.. (no longer available)

Location: The Mountain Retreat

Just Where Are Those Fish?

Dear Diary:

Last weekend, in my first world, I went fishing with some friends.  I enjoy going out in the boat on a sunny day - not too hot; not too cold - and trying to bring in a fish or two for my supper, or ideally for a shore lunch.  This time, I was unsuccessful but I thought my second world might prove to be more fruitful.   errr...fishful!

Patience is certainly required when trying to land that "big" one.  Even the sea gulls are aware of that.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Hair with hat: Vanity Hair (gift)

Tee: ASO!&Soothe T-shirt (pine) (SaNaRae until June 18)
Jeans: ASO!&Soothe Relaxing jeans (white) (SaNaRae until June 18)
Sandals: Pure Poison fringe flat (white) 
Sunglasses: HAYSURIZA eyewear fox #2

Fishing pole: Primz Fishing pole (SL Marketplace)
Dock: Shutter Field dock with steps with ramp
Sea gulls: Ohmai herring gulls