the fresh perspective...

There is no denying that the holiday season is largely about giving and receiving gifts. At least in our part of the world. Whether we like it or not, society seems to shove it in our face, everywhere we go, as soon as November 1st hits. As much as we all know that these holidays did not originate this way, this has been the portion of these holidays that we have latched onto and emphasized.

Sure, most of us have very fond memories of opening gifts or wrapping presents for our family and friends. I would have to call bluff on anyone who tried to claim they hate the gift part of the holidays. But can we still enjoy the season sans presents?

There are definitely many other magical parts of the holiday season. Walking through your neighborhood with some hot chocolate to check out all the lights, a big fat feast with all your favorite humans, those classic holiday songs that bring back all the nostalgia, the list goes on. Seeing a tree with gifts underneath does instill a feeling of excitement but at the end of the day, is never the best part of the holidays. If I had to choose between watching Home Alone and giving up gifts, I would choose Kevin McCallister every time.

Memories with humans and nostalgia from those memories are a feeling that can never be replaced by receiving an object. I’m not trying to convince anyone to give it all up but we do tend to get a little carried away. Try choosing an activity to do with your loved one in lieu of purchasing something. Those memories will last way longer than an Apple Watch.

-the fresh perspective

Did you know? National Men Make Dinner Day

Okay - here we go.

If you are like most of us here at Freshair, you likely didn't know this past Thursday was ‘National Men Make Dinner Day’. I know the first reaction, my first reaction, is ARE YOU FOR REAL? Why is this a thing? All this is doing is enforcing the stereotype of women in the kitchen, etc… But what if we chose a different way of looking at this? What if we just laugh at this for what it is?

In today's day and age, we expect a less traditional way of thinking and share responsibilities of preparing meals each and every day and making sure there is a decent wholesome meal on the table. This is 100% rational and the way it should be. However, that doesn't mean that the majority of people actually live like this. I think there is still a lot of work to do on this front but it is hilarious to me to think that some men don't know how to cook a meal. That is why I choose to look at this and laugh and think, who's the sucker that doesn't know how to feed himself?

The jyst - Parents, teach your children how to cook. Already an adult and was never taught? Pull out a recipe or Pinterest page and get crackin’. Be the best you can be and help your partner out around the house - REGARDLESS OF YOUR GENDER.

I read a few articles on this topic and most of them held a very angry tone. Instead, let’s laugh together and if you missed this past Thursday, try to convince them it’s actually the second Thursday in November ;)

-the fresh perspective.

the fresh perspective...

Boys. And Girls... Relationships are the ultimate best!  They are the best until they are the worst!  Being in a relationship with someone has so many perks and, inevitably, pitfalls.

When you're in a committed relationship compromising makes up a large part of how long the relationship will last.  A relationship that doesn't have the two people involved in it, working towards the same goal, won't last.  I know this month is dedicated to the boys so I will say, "how are you to your partner?"  "Boys, do you treat them well?"  "Do you do your fair share of compromising?"  Just a little something to think about as you go on living in your couple-ness....  How can you make your relationship better?

I have been married for seven years and we have been together for 13 years.  All through my twenties we toiled and triumphed.  Through the student loans and apartment applications, we survived.  Through the entire wedding process we managed to stay.  We are still here.  We are still going.  In my modest opinion every anniversary should be celebrated because that's another year added.  Eventually those years should add up to an amazing relationship with someone special than most.

I know many ladies and gents in relationships that seem to have it all together.  The thing is, we all KNOW that there is no such thing as the perfect relationship or couple.  It just doesn't exist.  The most endearing relationships are forged in the trenches and use hard times as a foundation for their love.

I did say that I was posting about only boys this month, so this post goes out to my main squeeze.  Ogo, you are a great man even if sometimes you're not...?  ;)  That's the fresh perspective...

Living...

Monday, Monday, the beginning of the week for most.  Here we go again...

My brother moved to Montreal last week and has only been gone for less than a week and it's so strange how much I miss him even though I didn't see him everyday.

He lived just down the street and we would meet once a week at least.  I knew where he was and I knew what he was doing mostly, and now...

I'm so happy that he has taken this opportunity to try something new and relocate himself and his life to another place.  He will be learning how to speak french (I'm envious but I am hoping he can be my pseudo teacher) playing music, and doing a lot of writing.

Life is something you can only experience when you breathe.  It's the one intrinsic thing that separates us from the dead. Inhale, exhale.

Peace