go outside.

Now, my dear Canadian friends and family may not appreciate this post too much. This is because my hometown, Winnipeg, Canada, has had the worst winter since 1898 and for much of it I've escaped to Mexico.
Last week, winter gave what we hope to be its final haughty snowfall, although we've said that before.

Due to these facts, this may be ill-timed.

However, last week was also Earth Day! And, beginning May 1 (this Thursday) Canada has been challenged, by the David Suzuki Foundation, to join the 30x30 Challange – where you commit to spending 30 minutes outside for 30 days.

Due to these facts, I think this is well timed!

Since moving to Mexico it's been much easier for me to spend time outdoors. I've even started what I never thought I'd do – running. Those of you who know me well, know that typically for me to run I should be chased by a homicidal clown and be running towards a sign that says "free margaritas". However, I'm a changed woman! Ok... that's an exaggeration. I still don't love running. But, I get it now. And, while I hate doing it, I simultaneously like it.

Anyway, most of my time outdoors isn't spent running. Most of it is spent sitting. Told you I'm not that changed of a woman! Sometimes I read. Sometimes I just listen. Now, my speed of life has slowed down to about a tenth of what it used to be, so for me to sit and listen is a huge luxury. And I want to suggest you try it.
Ok, I've kind of been trying meditation. But I'm reluctant to call it that because (a) I can never quiet my mind and (b) some people have funny notions associated with meditation. But anyways, I make it a goal to simply sit and quiet my mind (as much as possible). I focus on breathing. I focus on the sun on my face. I focus on the sounds of birds. I feel like a hippy saying this, but I focus on the Ho'oponopono phrases - I'm sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you. Sometimes I say this to God. Sometimes to mother nature. Sometimes to family and friends.

What have I found? No matter how homesick, lonely, stressed, worried, unsettled, or preoccupied I was, after my time outdoors I feel better. And why should I be surprised? Studies have found spending time outdoors reduces anger and depression, it also increases energy, creativity, and generosity. Furthermore, it has been shown to lower blood pressure and boost immunity.

With these known benefits, why not go take a walk to the park? Go get your hippie on and meditate to Ho'oponopono phrases. Go plant something! Sign up for the 30x30 Challange.

Go spend some time outside and reap the rewards!

While you're out there (uh oh, geographer in me rearing its head...) pick up some trash! We take so much from this Earth - help it to continue to give.

Go enjoy this great big Earth. Read my blog outside. Do what you've got to do.
Carleigh

think bigger.

Now that we're a few blog entries in, and I've hopefully convinced you that what I have to say is worthwhile, well thought out, and at least somewhat meaningful, we're going to get to some meat and potatoes in this entry. (For some reason this seemed important for me to establish before we got to a heavier entry). 
For some readers, this might be a demanding entry. 
The topic has been weighing on my mind for some time, and, like a pesky mosquito when you're in bed at night, it's buzzing has become too much for me to ignore. 

Without further introduction:

What you think doesn't matter.

Sometimes.

Our freedom of speech is often paramounted as the greatest liberty we're allowed in this life.
But remember that little thing we talked about regarding the responsibility that comes with the superpower located in our vocal cords? Oh yeah, we're going back to that, but this time bigger.

Example A: Abortion
I don't believe in the act of abortion. I wouldn't have an abortion. I believe that life begins in the womb (although I haven't developed an opinion as to exactly when). I believe that I'm not alone in this, as I've seen the World Trade Center memorial that recognizes "unborn child" along with deceased mother. I believe a lot of what this young girl, who has taken social media by storm with her anti-abortion speech, has to say. I believe there are traumatic emotional and physical complications that come with having an abortion.

It doesn't matter what I believe.

Because even so, abortion should be legal. Yes, it goes against my personal beliefs – they don't matter.

Why?
Because banning abortion doesn't stop abortion, it just makes abortion more unsafe. In fact, in places where abortion is legal the abortion rates are the lowest.
Because when my beliefs about abortion are asserted it results in laws, laws that have 50,000 women dying from unsafe abortions each year and countless complications with fertility and other injuries (read more here).
Because having a baby is expensive, and there is only so much assistance available.
Because, although I don't believe in killing fetuses, I don't believe the remedy is to allow unsafe abortions to kill women.

For these reasons, although I don't support abortion, I am pro-choice.

What I believe doesn't matter when it causes deaths.

Example B: Plagiarism
This year in one of my advanced English (EAL) classes, I was teaching the students (who come from all corners of the globe) about plagiarism. Many of the students were going to continue at the same university with regular classes at the conclusion of the course. Knowing there are different standards for and regarding plagiarism in different countries I wanted to ensure that the topic was covered thoroughly and with the importance it required (and perhaps took this too seriously, as it became my legacy with these students).
We looked beyond the course materials and textbook and began to examine other sources of plagiarism. We talked about Andy Warhol's famous Marylin Monroe, which is screen printed from a photograph taken by Gene Korman. We examined Yann Martel's "The Life of Pi" which could be argued is directly plagiarised from Moacyr Scliar's "Max and the Cats". We had heated debates about what could be considered as plagiarism.
We reviewed different universities' policies regarding if a student is accused of and convicted of plagiarism.

The conclusion? It doesn't matter if you believe it's plagiarism or not (within the university setting).
A professor doesn't require proof of plagiarism to have you expelled from a class (and sometimes the university). Just the idea that something may be plagiarised is enough.
For this reason I encourage citing sources if you are ever in doubt of an idea originally belonging to you.

It doesn't matter if you think it is plagiarism. It matters if the professor thinks it's plagiarism.

Example C: Homosexuality
I want to begin by linking this article, because if I didn't I believe I'd be plagiarising – as the article is the root of this entry. (Ok, even though I planned the sequence, I do love this transition).
If you are a Christian that believes homosexuality is wrong/sinful, as I once did, I urge you to read the article.

I've grown up with a Christian upbringing with traditional beliefs. I attended a Christian high school. I grew up in the Church. Although I don't really want to focus on religion within this blog (at least not at this point) I think this sets a bit of context when we explore this topic with my voice as the guide.

For a lot of my life I have been told homosexuality is a sinful choice. I've been told by teachers that it is a result of parents and relatives molesting children, thereby creating sexual deviants. Every time there is a theological debate regarding homosexuality and the church (ex:  Duck Dynasty Comments and more recently the World Vision controversy) my Facebook homepage is literally flooded with articles either "celebrating the victory over sin" or "challenging theological background of these beliefs".
Where you stand in this equilibrium isn't my concern today. I want to tell you that regardless of what you believe on the topic it doesn't matter.

Why?
Because kids have it hard in today's society, and if you're a gay kid you have it even harder. So much so that teenagers who are gay are three times more likely to commit suicide.
Because although the Bible has been translated to call homosexuality an abomination (along with eating shellfish and mixing your fabrics), it most clearly states that we should love each other.
Because people are still people. Remember, although it's very easy to type something, there are people reading those powerful words. There are people struggling every day with their sexuality.
Because I'm tired of being associated with a religion that is so closely tied with hatred of people.
Because I've read this and this. I've also watched this.

Because kids are killing themselves. And I don't feel strongly enough about anything that would make me support something that is causing people to kill themselves.


What you think doesn't matter. Sometimes.

It doesn't matter when it causes deaths, or suicide attempts, or unsafe surgeries.
It doesn't matter when it calls your integrity into question, or hurts someone, or is done in the name of "freedom of speech".

It doesn't matter what you think if you can't think bigger.
Think bigger than "I".
Think beyond "me".
If you can't think bigger then you also perpetuate hatred, naivety, and ultimately deaths.
If you can't think bigger, then I'm not sure I want to know what you think.

Damn, that's a lot of responsibility that comes with our celebrated freedom of speech, hey?

Wouldn't it be easier to be a rock?
Carleigh

power.

Today I began reading "The Life of Pi".
Sadly, I've already seen the film, but I've always appreciated books over movies so during my time in Mexico I've tried to remedy this as much as possible (I've also read "The Help"- which I highly recommend).

Towards the beginning of the book the narrator, Pi, briefly speaks of something that I'd like to explore in more detail.
He talks about when he arrived to Canada from India and went, for the first time, out for Indian food. The waiter rudely remarks that he must be "fresh off the boat" because he is eating in the traditional style with his hands. Pi explains that this comment may have seemed small to the server, but to him the words "were like nails being driven into my flesh". The meal he had been enjoying seconds earlier lost flavour and his appetite vanished.

The server, like all of us at times, didn't recognize the power we hold over one another. Every one of us has this power. Every individual has the power to build up and knock down. I'd say this power is even more pervasive than ever before. Why? Because we can broadcast every experience on Instagram;  every thought on Twitter; every relationship on Facebook. All of these platforms allow for us to use our powers.

I don't want this post to be mistaken. While this is applicable to students in elementary, middle, and high school, I don't think our powers begin and end there. We easily dismiss the power of words to bullies of years gone by, but our influence doesn't end with puberty.

I fondly remember notes, messages, and comments that have picked me up when I'm feeling down. Last year, one of my cousins mailed me a surprise postcard from Southeast Asia, which I received after a long thankless day. I will always treasure the postcard, not for what it says, but for how much I needed that feeling after dragging my cold and tired body home.
Looking back, there are treasures from teachers encouraging me to be memorable; encouragement from bus drivers; whispered "I love you"s and "it's ok"s from parents; and "thank you" notes from students.
These are the words the built me up.
These words encourage me to build up too. I remember them when I'm at a bus stop and start a friendly conversation. I recollect them in how I react to the homeless or less fortunate.
Even when my day is bad, I find giving a kind word is even better than receiving one.
I've done some reading on happiness, it turns out the #1 thing you can do to affect your happiness is to bring happiness to others. I invite you to try.

As Uncle Ben in Spiderman warns, though, "with great power comes great responsibility". Use this power responsibly.
I warn you, because I know I've been careless with this power. I know I have said things when I'm irritated with myself, and hurt others because of it. I've said things when I'm rushed, or tired, or sad. I've snapped at someone because I felt they treated me unfairly. I've used every excuse possible to condone my behaviour - but that doesn't change how it feels to the receiver.
I've been in relationships where words were finely tuned weapons of destruction.
I know the noxious power we each hold because I've wielded it.

I also know it all too well for what the power has done to me.
In middle school I can think of countless times where words ripped me down. I can't express how thankful I am that I grew up without social media where I could open up every thought, experience, and friendship to the criticism of my peers.
More recently, the words that hurt the most are the ones directed to how my life is being lived. On good days these comments can be ignored. But on harder days they can sing in my head on repeat like an overplayed pop song. Words like this can become a bitter melody.
Sometimes they become our theme song.

Today I urge you to be mindful of the power you hold over others. Most often, I believe you won't know the power you hold. Don't let this stop you.
Our words are our superpower. Use them responsibly.

Carleigh

food.

Ok, I think I've been pretty clear that travel is one of my biggest motivations and passions.

Would you like to know another?
Usually this one is a little more surprising for people, as it's not immediately evident by my appearance. In fact, many people are surprised when I tell them.

Sounds like I'm prefacing you for some dark, dirty secret, hey?

Actually, it's food.

I love food.

Do I love to cook? Not particularly.
It's a means to an end. I love to eat, which, as I'm unable to afford restaurants every night, requires me to cook. (For more info on what I cook, just follow my Pinterest board – I'm not creative *read 'skilled'* enough to write my own recipes)

What does this love of food, combined with a passion to travel, mean?
WELL. It means lots.

It means often my stomach guides me; I may completely forgo incredible sights in favour of a fantastic local meal and brew.

It means that nothing excites me the same way as hearing the adjectives "authentic" or "home cooked" in regards to a meal.

It means that if we eat out together, you best be willing to give me a bite. Better yet, we should share.

It means I end up with food poisoning. Often. Due to different bacterial immunities that locals develop to local bacteria, often travelers will develop the dreaded "TD". Since the thought of local tacos, pad Thai, schnitzel, and egg rolls tantalizes me even on a full stomach, I've developed a slew of different food borne illnesses. This may mean, as a completely hypothetical example, I've spent the last week doing my Duolingo Spanish lessons in the smallest room in the apartment. Hypothetically. (Apps and e-readers have changed my life in this regard).

My love of food certainly affects the way I grocery shop, too.

While living here, in Monterrey, it has meant that grocery shopping can be come an adventure. Adventure is probably not the word you'd use when talking about grocery shopping. And, while most of my Winnipeg grocery shopping is done in the very diverse downtown district – this can mean an entertaining shop, it doesn't compare to food shopping here.

My usual shop starts on Tuesday at Wal-Mart. This is pretty standard and very comparable to Canadian Wal-Marts except that there are typically 10-30 employees standing and walking around trying to persuade you to buy their chorizo, microwaveable rice, cheese, or tomatoes. I think a lot of my Spanish practice comes with these conversations.
On Wednesday the real adventure begins. It's produce day! We go to the market to buy fresher and cheaper produce. The market is awesome. But, the market is crazy.

The market has a cacophony of sounds like you wouldn't believe. And with little, blond, fair-skinned me, some of it is even in English. Here we buy 1 kg of bananas for 7 pesos (less than 0.60 CAD).  We pick out fresh mangoes, tomatoes, onions, and even cheese. We pick out as much as we can carry. After our shop we might return home with a heap like this:

With enough produce to last the week, we are 90 pesos poorer (about 8 CAD). Now do you see why a foodie like me gets excited?

We often buy fresh bolillo (pronounced bow-lee-yo, and basically a small french bread loaf)  as well, as it can be cheaper than buying a loaf. We can do this at Wal-Mart's bakery, but often do it at the bakery around the corner (which also has the most amazing donuts – please try a donut from a Mexican bakery if you get the chance. It's worth it, and I don't even like donuts in Canada).
If we are feeling particularly lazy we can buy it from el panadero. El panadero is a gentleman that navigates through residential Mexican streets selling anything you can get at a bakery. Initially, I hated el panadero because while he navigates the city the following song is blasted so that you know he's coming, like an ice cream truck in Canada:

Once he woke me up from a particularly needed nap, and it has taken me quite some time to forgive him. However, I now often get the jingle stuck in my head and am somewhat fond of him.

Sometimes our grocery shopping even brings us to the very famous OXXO convenience store. Unlike Canadian convenience stores, where you're charged for the convenience, OXXO often has prices that are cheaper than Wal-Mart! This week's OXXO list includes beans and detergent.

Anyway, this is a little bit of what it's like to love food and live in Mexico.
Perhaps one day we can talk about all the Mexican food I love. We'll get there.

Take care of one another and spread some love,
Carleigh

movement.

If you know anything about me, you know I love to travel.
I was bitten by the travel bug at an early age. My family was always blessed in our ability to travel, but the trips that really took hold of my feet and made me antsy when in one place too long were our visits dear friends who were living in the Dominican Republic when I was only in high school. These were the first trips that seized me and made me see outside myself. I'll never forget the excitement of learning all that was new.

My family at our friends' home in the Dominican Republic. The company was even better than the view.

The first trip I took without parental guidance was at the age of 16 to Northern Ireland on missions with my church. And, wow, if travelling is a disease I once had a sniffle and now had caught a full on flu that could only be cured with new sights, sounds, people, and ideas. I got it bad.
So bad, that the following year a friend of mine and I returned to Northern Ireland and continued backpacking through The Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and London (we really didn't see much of England, just London). It was incredible.

Two years later I returned to Europe to see the mainland. I visited: Germany, Prague (Czech Republic), Austria, Ljubjana (Slovenia), Zagreb (Croatia), Italy, Corfu (Greece), the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Monaco, and Switzerland. It was a whirlwind of sounds, tastes, sights, and people. Perhaps I'll dig into this more, later.

Paris, France. (But if you didn't know that, we can't be friends).

Two years later, again, I got the itch to pick up and go. This time to see Asia. I stayed in Japan, sadly, just long enough to eat the most spectacular sushi at Tsukiji fish market – the world's largest. Following the Japanese stopover I went to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Again, this is a topic for another post.

Now is a great time for you to be wondering what the topic of this post is if it isn't to talk about some of these adventures. These adventures are my resume.

This is what I want your take-away message to be.

Travel.
Travel as often as your soul needs to be happy.
I know we are bound by our chequebook, watch, and contact list.
Sometimes I believe travel is like having children, in that there may never be a "right time" but that you have to make a "right time". And I want to urge you to do that. Maybe not now, but soon.
I'm not saying every person's trip should be across time zones and language barriers.
Sometimes the trip you need is a weekend away or a long walk.

I believe in the power of movement.
Travel is what propels us into uncomfortable situations where we learn to laugh at ourselves. It's what forces us to open our eyes and marvel at creation. It's what pushes us to find empathy because we too have required it. It's a way to meet new people, and with new people brings new perspective and knowledge.
Travel is what makes us love, value, and miss home and the people who live there. It's what teaches us languages, even if they aren't spoken. Most importantly travel makes us examine. Examine ourselves and our role in this world – what do we want it to be? Examine others and their customs and cultures – how do they compare to our own? Why are ours the way they are? Is it important they remain that way? And, does that make us any different as human beings?

Travel changes the soul.

Sometimes you need to travel around the block and observe neighbours in need, and humbly remember when you too were in need. Other times you may take a trip to the park, and upon catching sunset over the lake remember how beautiful our Earth is and how small we are. And, occasionally, you need to travel somewhere where you will mistakenly translate something to be laughed at by locals and remember you should never take yourself too seriously.

Go and do.
Tell me your stories after.
Carleigh

one. monterrey.

Recently I've been motivated to write.

I've always found a certain therapy in writing, and the recent events in my life could use some therapy. So far, I've decided to keep those posts to myself, but as I grow bolder I'm sure it's inevitable that I'll share them.

So, you may be curious, what kind of blog will this be?
I believe it will evolve, but, initially this blog will be about my passions. These include (and are not limited to): travel, photography, teaching & learning, cooking, and most importantly life.

As I'm currently living away from my home and family I hope for this to be a way to connect with them and also share my experiences living in a different culture.

On that topic, I'd like to share a little about where I am.

I'm living in Monterrey, Mexico. If you're not acquainted to this Mexican city, it's probably because tourists never come here. Really it's true, I've been looking for Spanish classes and all I can get is a tutor because there aren't enough non-Spanish speakers to form a class!
Despite this fact, I happen to really like Monterrey. To get a feel for this expanding valley city, here's an image:

This mountain, Cerro de la Silla (Sadle Mountain), is the most famous view in all of  Monterrey. You'll see the outline of it on everything from taco stands to road signs.
The stadium in the left of the photo is where one of Monterrey's two teams (soccer, obviously) call home. Well... at least I'm 80% sure about that, but I may need a regio (slang for someone who is from Monterrey) to fact check for me. Interestingly enough, I call it home too, as my apartment here is just a short walk from the stadium.

This image is showing roughly 1/6 of the city... and, with a humble upbringing in Winnipeg Manitoba, this feels gigantic to me. I think the biggest indicator of its size has been the shopping malls. If you know anything about Winnipeg's shopping, you know we have 2 major malls, and about 2 smaller malls. Here there is something I'll call a "food mall". Don't think of a food court. Think of family style dining, think of formal ethnic foods, think of lounges, think of fast food. Put them all together in a three story mall and you'll have a pretty good picture of what I'm talking about. It continues to astound me.

How can Monterrey be so big without a tourist base? Originally Monterrey was a trade city between the US, Tampico (a Mexican coastal city), and Saltillo (an inland Mexican city). Continuing with its history Monterrey has become a trade and business capital of Mexico.

Living here has been a very fascinating challenge for me. I'm looking forward to sharing some of the lessons I've learned and terrible translations I've made.

Until next time,
Car