Francis Libermann Catholic High School 40th Anniversary

By: Talin Orfali – Student Alumni – Fall 1999 to 2003.

40 Years ago in 1977, Francis Libermann Catholic High School opened its doors to teachers, students and administrative staff, and this year in 2018, on June 3rd, we had the anniversary and reunion. Many past and present teachers, and alumni students were present.

A couple of months ago, I had opened up my Facebook, and on my news feed, I see an event from Francis Libermann of which a fellow classmate of mine from my time, invited me to it, I definitely said, I am going. At first, I had mixed feelings about it, and I was hesitant at first because my high school life wasn’t what I had expected it to be, but I toughed it out for 4 years. It wasn’t perfect and there were good times and bad times, but nothing really is perfect.

We envision high school to be perfect where everyone gets along, but that is not the case, however, I forgive those who have bullied me and belittled me throughout those times. I realize now that when you are a teenager going to school, all these emotions run high, going through the puberty stages where sometimes teens just don’t know what they are doing, plus getting through school with studies and everything else with making friends whereas some others don’t get so lucky about that. It’s a huge phase that kids go through before venturing out to college/university and maybe not and just going right to work or whatever the case may be.

Anyway, when I saw about 90% of the teachers at the reunion and anniversary, they all automatically remembered me even though 15 years have passed since I took my last walk out of those doors. I never visited back since then, but I feel like I really never left yesterday. I was so sad to hear about my favourite principal back in the day had passed away a few years ago from cancer. I was so devastated and cried. I truly know how to appreciate teachers and administrative staff for all the hard work and sacrifices they make and made to make sure we are educated and well looked after.

Some of the teacher’s names I had forgotten about and some that are still fresh in my mind, but they remembered me and some of the teachers said that they think about me from time to time. One of them said to me yesterday, Talin, you were my favourite student and I think about you all the time. I am so happy to be seeing you here today and in return, she was really one of my favourite teachers at the school. One of them always knew I was going to get into some sort of writing and when I spoke to her and told her what I do now, she got so excited to hear that I am doing what she thought I would do.

Anyway, I did a walk-through the school and I familiarized myself with the lockers I used to have, the classes I went to, the hallways that I walked around, familiar smells of the halls and classes, the gym, the library, and the staircases that was used to go up to the 2nd, and 3rd floors. The memories just came to me and some have faded and some have stayed with me. The washrooms and everything are also the same as I remembered where the washroom stalls are smaller.

I remember being part of teen voices, and other outreach programs. I was never really a sports person and I had joined into more interactive committees and creative writing.

I remember when I used to seldom take public transit home from school. I used to hate taking public transit up to now. That hasn’t changed. I remember getting a sign of relief when I saw I was being picked up by my dad or my brother and one of the teachers pointed that out to me yesterday, saying she remembers that I used to hate taking the bus and she remembers me being picked up. I said to her, nothing has changed on that front. LOL, and the only difference is that I drive now.

The 40th anniversary of Francis Libermann Catholic High School was definitely an eye-opener for me, which has overwhelmed me because time is flying and these are the moments of our lives that we will never get back and it teaches us to be grateful for each moment, even though they weren’t perfect and our expectations weren’t what we wanted, but we are getting older now and it truly makes you appreciate that little time you have in high school. Time never waits for you. You truly have to cherish life and the phases.

I was in tears while walking through the halls and I am in tears now as I write this now. I really miss high school a lot and I miss being a teenager. My advice to teenagers going to high school now, is to never waste a second of it, don’t take this time for granted. Even though it may not be a positive and good time for you, but also I want you to realize that high school is temporary and things do eventually get better and they will. It has for me. 4 years go by so quickly that you don’t even realize once you graduate and have your prom and then life changes right away. Well, it did for me.

2003 for me seems like yesterday, but in other ways, it does feel like its a long time. It really hit me hard yesterday and I just want to say how truly grateful I am for having a school to go to and getting to know many people of whom I am still in touch with. We didn’t really get along in high school, but we do now and that is what counts. Life and our personalities change and it’s absolutely amazing. You never truly learn to appreciate something until after the fact.

Thank you and congratulations to Francis Libermann and here is to another 40 years and beyond. I am super glad to be part of 4 years of it. All the best and may what happens between those walls be educational, fruitful filled with knowledge, respect, and getting closer with God in his teachings while learning valuable life lessons to take with you when you take your last walk out those doors. God bless Francis Libermann Catholic High School and all those in it.

Time is Flying – It Doesn’t Wait For You

Already time is flying. The 4th day of the year of 2018. Always live life to the fullest, enjoy, be happy, keep smiling and remember to always be grateful, love, appreciate and cherish the moments you spend with your family and friends. Time is ticking. One day you will look up and see the moments you spend with your loved ones will become a memory.

Always Say I love you,
Always say thank you,
Always be who you are,
Always make time for friends and family.
Always spend time with friends and family,

Some family and friends can be in different cities and countries and so much time goes by without seeing them. As we age, and months and even years go by without seeing each other, They can have children, they have all these special moments in their lives, gatherings and it is absolutely heartbreaking to see time go by and they grow, they live their lives in their own different places with different life dynamics and we miss so much of it because distance and not being able to connect with family and friends all the time is something that makes you think about so many things in life and how we miss this valuable time.

Sometimes due to financial reasons people cannot travel to see family members, time constraints from work and school or other reasons can arise, but life is passing by and there is no stop button. You need to enjoy your life too. You can’t just commit yourself to work, work, work.

When wishing that family and friends can all be in one place which would be incredibly amazing, however its not always possible. The only way to connect is by phone, social media, email, but it definitely isn’t the same without seeing each other face to face and being with one another sharing life’s moments together.

It is even difficult to get family and friends together being in the same city too. Life has definitely changed and so much happens in life with school, work, and other life’s commitments.

Circumstances puts life into perspective, it puts things into light. Sometimes life can throw us examples right in front of us.

Life is too short. Always try your best to manage time well, and do what is absolutely important in your life and prioritize. Don’t waste a second of it. Time doesn’t wait. It flies by without you even knowing. Today is Thursday already. Weeks fly by so quickly. Its so important to take each day and do whatever you can to make the most of it.

I keep hearing, people don’ like Monday’s and all that. Well I know its a day where people have to go to work, school and start the week all over again, but you know what? Its a day and we need to make most of it no matter what it is. Its something I keep seeing on social media and the memes and everything. It really has to stop. Monday is a day, we are alive and that is all that it matters. The weekend will come again. We just have to be patient.

This year, we must change our habits, and gather together and make memories and cherish them. We all can do it, it just takes time management and re-evaluating priorities.

Chores are Development of Responsibility & Life Skills

As we are born and become children, majority of our parents/grandparents/guardians have taught us about responsibility, doing chores around the house and to gain experience and knowledge on to keep clean, tidy, and organized. Also teaches kids to obey, and prioritize life to do what is important first, and then make time for fun and play after.

When children wake up in the morning, they teach them on the importance of getting up to make the bed, brush the teeth, groom themselves, wash up and shower for good hygiene, and then they teach them how to eat, and then venture off to school with the grandparents/parents/guardian or with a school bus.

During school, the teachers and other staff of the school teach kids on importance of learning about the world, how to read, write, to learn about many subjects such as sciences, music, gym, dance, language classes, mathematics, chemistry, and the most important thing to teach children to be kind to other classmates, develop group skills during group work, also leadership.

When school is over and the children are on their way home, that skill to teach them about sharing, kindness, respecting others should also be implemented at home, so as they can continue that outside of school. The children come home, and the importance to wash hands, and change out of their clothes, and to start homework if they have homework that day and teach them to do homework first before they play with toys, tablets, colour and all that.

When it is time to make dinner and set the table, it is always a good idea to get your child involved in cooking, helping set the table with plates, cutlery, and then children should start to develop skills on washing dishes, and after dinner to help clean the table with a cloth, taking the dishes to the sink, and make the parents/guardian/grandparents life easier and for the children to help them out. This also teaches them for the future when they have greater responsibility when they get older.

Nowadays, it is so difficult to teach children these life skills because of the screens, video gaming consoles and technology that has taken over. Nowadays children always want to feel that sense of entitlement to do whatever they want, whenever they want without having to listen to their parents/guardians/grandparents. They feel the need to always want to be on their screens and not develop skills that will benefit them in the future. some Kids these days are immune to technology and less hands on skills, not having manners, not respecting and being kind to others, talking back to adults and also rude gestures and mannerisms. Some children are so spoiled and tend to have an answer for everything. We should never allow it for it to get that far.

Children see everything, they are observant, they listen to everything that goes on in the house. start them early, influence them in such a way where it becomes easier to ask them to do chores. Tell them to do things in such a way where they won’t feel threatened. Give them conditions that if they do not help clean, or do simple things like washing hands or whatever, tell them that they will not have a birthday party, tell them that they will not be allowed TV Time or play time if they do not eat, or listen to do things around the house. Also, nowadays children do not have an idea of responsibility and helping out family. They need to learn that.

Nowadays, children are untouchable, and if heaven forbid, you really yell at them and give them discipline, they will use it against you and they may involve teachers and other authorities. These days, showing children how to do chores, and get them off of their bums to help around the house, and develop these important skills is a chore and a very difficult task in itself. These screens, smartphones and devices are like a magnet to them.

As adults teach their children that it is bedtime, that means washing up again, brushing teeth, undoing the bed, getting clothes and everything ready for the next school day or whatever else, making their lunches, and everything.

Then the days that children are at home, it is important to teach them how to vacuum, wipe and mop the floors, dust the furniture, clean doorknobs, clean the kitchen counters and the table, take out the garbage, help wash the car and everything. Of course it is important to give them time to play, and do fun stuff as well. I am not saying that they should always be doing chores and everything, but they need to learn balance, time management and everything. There is a limit and time for it all.

It is the time now, and to be strict with children. strict in such a way that will not intimidate them, but to put them on track. Set rules, guidelines, time limits to screen time, and monitor what they look at and supervise them to make sure they are making good decisions while on the computer and so much more. That is the important thing.

When you see they are trying and everything and doing great work at school, and at home, give them gifts, or surprise them to a movie, take them out to an amusement park, take them to play in the park, when they obey and do good, give them an allowance of whatever amount you wish, teach them the value of a dollar when they do get allowances and teach them about spending accordingly.

One day when I have children of my own, all these things will be taught to them and I will not allow them to do whatever they want all the time. Not going to happen. they need to be taught lessons of life and develop skills.

If you have children and/or take care of them such as being a guardian, babysitter, or grandparents. What skills and what things do you teach them?

Bloggers are just as Important as Journalists

In recent years now, technology, social media and ways to communicate with the world have advanced so much. Today writers, journalists, and bloggers have discovered a way to get our feelings, points, experiences, current events, society and education across the world. That is sharing a virtual journal and diary so the world of people can read what we write. I am sure there are still people in this world that do have a hand written journal and keep contributing to it.

Now, I have come across some statuses on Facebook and other means of social media that what bloggers say is not as important as an educated journalist says that has been published in major newsletter and newspaper publications, news broadcasting sites and more. I find that to be very offensive, and so terribly rude of them to even have the audacity to write those things.

Some of us bloggers and those who contribute to social media may not be educated in journalism or some sort of writing programs, but that does not necessarily mean that we do not have a voice and that we do not matter. We are as important as a professional journalist. We also have the right to write what we feel, and nobody is better than the next person. We all have our writing styles, our abilities to share our words, thoughts, experiences, society, news, and updates about our lives and what influences us.

We also have that right to be published in major newspapers when we submit our craft to them. Just because a person has a diploma, certificate that only gets accepted in them doesn’t mean that they are more important than a person who does not possess them. When I e-mail some newspaper publications, they will not even look at me, but then I say you know what? It is their loss for not giving me that chance.

It is not about being famous, putting my name on the map of the world that people will recognize, it is mostly about getting my word across, and feeling great about it that I made someone’s day, that I inspired, educated and gave insight to somebody else who looks for a certain type of information whether it be about a school project, generalizing, and even educating one’s self about anything their heart desires to look up.

Bloggers somehow seem to have a bad rap because we tend to get more personal with our craft and that a blog is not a writing style, but merely an article that is meant for grade school and high school level that English teachers give to students to complete a creative writing assignment.

I am not saying that journalists with a diploma do not have a talent and who are not great at what they do, That is not my intention to say at all. I am saying that we bloggers and of course, journalists all have something to give out and have worked hard to get up there in the world and success is always under construction and improving, and getting up on that ladder will never end. Bloggers too! Even those who just joined the writing and blogging world. No matter how new or advanced we are, we still matter and what we do as well.

Not a lot of people can do what we do, not a lot of people can put words, sentences and phrases like we can, and they look up to us and want to read, get insight, and want us to contribute to their lives and what they are feeling or thinking about at the moment, but do not have the means to share it in writing.

I think that out of the many people who do write blogs on a daily, weekly or monthly basis have a talent, and we must utilize it. We do not have to prove to anyone anything in our craft, but just to shine what has been instilled in us. We all have a talent that we need to shine through and contribute to the world, and if writing and blogging your talent, and if you feel accomplished and good about yourself at the end of the day, then you have done your job. Never give up your passion and never let others rain on your parade. Best wishes to you on your important blogging journey.

Are We Missing out on Life’s Experiences With Screens?

Long gone are the days where simplicity, enjoyment, living life at the fullest extent, enjoying and experiencing life without the use of smartphones, tablet screens and so many more. Are we really missing out on life’s experiences? Everything in life has its limitations, and in today’s society, people tend to go overboard with posting everything and anything they see. They are not really experiencing life, they are merely trying to capture anything and everything to share on social media networks, capture photos and share them on photo sharing sites.

Long gone are the days where people used to go to concerts and shows where everyone’s eyes and attention was looking at the stage without wanding lights coming from smartphones and tablets. Now with thousands of people capturing moments with their devices, these concerts and these special events in a person’s life is being video taped by the videographer’s of the concert, venue, and even when people witness a wedding or a reception.

I understand that you want to keep your personal memories too, of which taking pictures and everything and that is fine, but always wanding a device isn’t really the same as actually witnessing something happen before your eyes. Some moments are meant to be lived without screens, and where down the road you can remember it in your mind, and the good times to remind yourself and those who you lived those memories with.

I mean yes, special and beautiful events such as babies when they are born, their actions, and everything else need to be documented and everything, and there are moments in a person’s life that should be kept private and not for the world to see. Do not worry if you tell someone what your child did, or said that they will not believe you. They will. You do not need to always have proof or a video of something.

You really do not have to be in competition with the world and join a popularity contest because you want to be the first ones to capture something and put so many hashtags, and post something for the sake of posting something. It should never be that way.

People have the perception that if they do not capture, video, then post it on social media, the internet, tweet about it, that some people think that they are lying without providing proof that things actually did occur. I think that everything has its limits and not everything should be published online. Some things should be kept a secret, things should be kept private. Unfortunately, privacy is non-existent in today’s world because of these devices.

When people travel and explore the world, people will always have that force of habit to document every moment with screens, but the world has become smaller and people are more familiar with everything because people do research and look up videos and get more curious to find things out all the time, but the important thing to remember is that it is not fair to capture something, and then the soon to be traveler going to that place will see what it is all about and then that person or person’s will not be surprised anymore. It will all be spoiled for them

Some things are meant to be left unsaid, some things are meant to be explored without having people always telling others about something. People need to experience and form their own opinions.

I am all for and support smartphones, video, cameras, tablets and other devices, and I have them as well, but there is a limit and a lot of people now have crossed that limit. Screens have become addicting and it is so on the rise, that some people cannot go 5 minutes without looking at their phone. They bring it with them to bed, they check messages before bed, waking up, during meals, at work, during cooking meals, tending to their families, even while driving. Nobody should have their phones or other devices while driving. That is not only dangerous but very ridiculous.

In the past before all these devices came out, how do you think people passed their time? There was twice as much homework to do after school for the students, school times were longer, there was no use of devices, people had to make their own games and toys to physically play with, not one of those gaming consoles, people were outside playing, enjoying the true essence of life, more love, respect and family time, people didn’t have the luxury of instantly finding information, where they had to jet off to the library to find books, encyclopedia’s without the use of the internet or software.

With all that being said, people need to put their screens down and look up to enjoy life more, to witness things, to observe, and to capture the beauty of the world with your eyes. Not with screens. They shouldn’t be your eyes. Be more social, talk, take a pen and physically write without the use of keyboards and keypads.

Think about it. Experience life, put down your device and do it right now.

Words to Always Live By

In life, when a rainy day comes by, some people struggle in work, school, relationships, sudden sickness or other things and a lot of times people look for inspiration, positive re-enforcement, happy thoughts, encouragement, support, and comfort. It is so important to reach out to others who are having difficulty with those challenges in life. Whether it be a family member, friend, neighbor, colleague, school-mate or whoever else it maybe. It is always a good idea to remind them, to be there for them, to give positive vibes, friendly, a great gesture, and beautiful inspiring words to uplift them during the good times and the bad. People never get tired of hearing and listening to happy and good vibes sent to them in communicating and letting them know how you feel and what you contribute to their lives, Not in material ways, but in an emotional way. Trust in me as I say to you, They will appreciate it more than you will ever know.

The CN Tower & I

I know it is kind of crazy to even write about this, but growing up as a child and into my lower teens, I was always obsessed and loved the CN Tower a lot. Being able to get up there 2-3 times around those times was something so exciting, being able to experience the observation deck, the glass floor to see down to the street. I would see it from the 401, the Gardiner Expressway, The CNE, and a lot of places around the City of Toronto and downtown. Even from my Grandmothers balcony.

I still know the facts about the CN Tower by heart. I know its a free-standing structure and one would ask, how can someone be obsessed with a tower?

Well, I have always been and always will be sentimental and these things were and still is a big deal for me. CN Tower is one of the most important structures and one of Toronto’s major icons and that makes our skyline what it is. Every time I see it, go near it, it makes me think of my childhood. I have still kept all of the CN Tower stuff I used to collect from magazines and everything. I once had CN Tower Staff mail me a huge package full of Pictures, Facts, Figures and everything back in the day. I am not sure if they still do that now, but if you inquire it, you can e-mail them or contact them here, http://www.cntower.ca/en-ca/contact-us/contact-us.html… I wrote them a letter which I was a kid and I got my package a few weeks later. It was awesome. I still have that too.
I will forever love my City of Toronto and the CN Tower.

You can go to the tower with friends, family, schools and spend a full day at the tower and enjoy the sights, sight-see from the top of the tower, you can observe Lake Ontario, see our major highway arteries, buildings from the north, south, east and west.

Here are some facts/figures about the CN Tower:

– It is located at 301 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6 – In the heart of Downtown Toronto

– One of Ontario, Canada’s main attractions

– The height is 553 m which equals to 1,815 feet.

– It opened it’s doors in 1976

– it is 147 Stories high.

– It has been surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai

– John Andrews is the Architect of the Free Standing Structure.

– It is a marvel in civil Engineering

– There is an Antenna which broadcasts to over 30 fm/radio and television signals across Southern Ontario with an addition to wireless paging, cellular telephone service/signlas

– There is a restaurant called 360 and it is a revolving restaurant where it turns around in a circular motion.

– The CN Tower introduced a thrill called the Edgewalk, where you walk on the edge of the Tower up top and all that is holding you is a Harness. I have never tried it, but I would love to.

– The high speed elevator takes you up to the top in 58 seconds.

– There is the skypod, lookout level which is 33 more floors up

—————

All this and more information about the CN Tower — Visit — http://www.cntower.ca/

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CN_Tower

Edgewalk CN Tower — http://www.edgewalkcntower.ca/

Things to do in Toronto http://www.toronto.com

Academics VS Life and Personality

In our lifetime, some people respect others a lot due to their academic, education standards in which they bring top marks all the time, being straight A Students, bringing over 90-95 or more average in their report cards, however many people misconstrued intelligence with education/academic standards. Yes being educated in the books and the class is a key component to life, but academics should not be everything in life. — The most important thing about life is to have a great personality, be a sociable person, developing people skills, having street smarts, to be thoughtful, and not always revolving your life with academics.

Everything has a limit, but some people go way overboard about it when it comes to education. Never confuse education with intelligence. A lot of people seem to be doing that. Some people do not even look at you if you do not have top notch degrees, PHD, and high academic standards and that is so wrong. Somebody who has struggled in school or did not become as successful are always looked down and treated like they do not know better than the above average person and that is so wrong. Nobody is better than the other person just because their academic standards are a lot higher than anybody else.

Some people do not even look at a person because of that and it is not only wrong, but very insulting. A lot of people become successful even without high grades in education. People spend thousands of dollars, take out student loans and so many things to get a top notch education, studies, exams and whatever else and then when it comes time to look for employment after graduation, people end up working in retail and fast food places where it is totally different than what they were anticipating and that is just terrible.

People who work for retail, fast food places, and other occupations, doesn’t make it any better than those who are in high places.

I am all for education and everything, but that should not be everything. When you think about it, having people and actual life skills are the most important things in life and should be a priority more than anything else in life. A lot of people go to school for so many years after high school to become something, to venture out, make big bucks and stuff, but the key to life is to be a people person more than anything else.

Yes school teaches us a lot about life, struggles, hard work and determination to get up there, but that should not be everything. Those who are highly educated should not belittle, look down at everybody else, brag so much about their academic journey and make the rest of the people look and feel bad about themselves. That is not good. I mean yes, its a good thing to tell people your good news and everything, but there is a limit, and people go way overboard about it. Not a good trait to develop.

People skills, communication is far more important than what a piece of paper says about our academic journey through life. Think about it.

My Sweet 16 Birthday that Never happened

When I was in high school and about to turn 16, I have heard about the sweet 16’s birthday parties and the fun those people had, and planned their birthdays that it was perfect, the people who had gone to those parties, the decorations, the planning all kicked off perfectly.

Even though I did not have friends back in the day, and those who I thought were somehow, I decided to throw a sweet 16 birthday party for me. As I had invited 20 people from my school. So now when it came toward the last couple of days to my birthday, I assured people to ask if they are going to be attending my birthday and they said yes we will be there. I got so excited. I remember it was April 28, 2001, on a Saturday and Monday is my real birthday on the 30th, and decided to have it 2 days early because of School on the right day.

As I had begun decorating, and had ordered the cake and the food, as well has putting some games so people can play. As the time was nearing for people to come, I got so excited that I stood by the door to wait for them to come, my anticipation was growing deeper. As I looked at the time again and it was 2pm where the time said on the invitations, I look at the clock and it said 2:15. I said ok its ok, they are running late. Then one person came around 2:30, I welcome her into the house and she decided to wait with me. then it became almost 4pm, and it was just her and I was devastated, humiliated, embarrassed, and crying so much.

That one girl who came to my party wiped my tears away and said it will be ok. Don’t worry, I am here. lets enjoy together. Who cares about the rest that stood you up? I said yeah you are right. So we enjoyed the food, and desert and cake and watched a couple of movies until it was time for her to go home. She hugged me and said, Talin, do not worry about anybody else, they are cowards. God is watching them. Then she left as her mom came and picked her up. My heart shattered to pieces. It was a feeling that I never wish on anybody else.

After her leaving, I let out a huge cry. I said, I cannot believe this happened to me and my mom comforted me and told me, don’t worry God will punish them. So Monday came and I was still crying and devastated. I did not enjoy my real 16th birthday, but I did go out to dinner with my family, which made everything better. I actually skipped school for a couple of days and just stood home. I just didn’t feel like seeing anybody. Then I decided to go to school on the Wednesday, and none of them said I am sorry and did not bother to give me an explanation as to why they did that. All the planning, food and everything went to waste, however we kept the food and ate it throughout the week.

From then on, I didn’t care about interacting with anybody and I just went about and studied, did my homework, attended all my classes, and then once school was finished, I’d never waste another second and just go home. I was so disgusted. That one girl changed schools the year after because her family had moved somewhere further, and that really made me even cry more. She was the only one who really cared. It was so nice of her. I still have the give she gave me 14-15 years later.

As I reached another milestone this year. At the end of April on the 30th of 2015, I will be celebrating my champagne birthday turning 30 on 30 and it is coming up so quickly. As I almost say Goodbye to my 20’s, I am truly hoping that I can have a sweet 30th birthday that will make up for the sweet 16th birthday I never had. I know it is not good to expect it, but when you’ve never had a birthday party reaching a milestone, it makes you wonder how and what might have been. I just want to have a great time with my lovely and beautiful loved ones I have in my life which really matter to me more than anything else.

Have you experienced a disappointing turnout at a party or function you have had? I am sure you felt humiliated and distraught. Have you had a similar situation where people didn’t bother to show up and not telling you why and not having the common decency to call and explain? If you have, I am so sorry to hear that. I know exactly how you feel. It is not a good feeling at all.

Hopefully nobody has to go through what I went through. Best wishes to you and may your dreams come true, because everyday is our birthday and celebrate it by the gift of breathing and living through another day. We are blessed and that is what matters the most.

I want to Learn More Languages

Since I have been traveling in my life many times, especially in Spanish-speaking countries and tropical places, for many years now, I want to learn and perfect Spanish. As I go to all-inclusive resorts and I speak basic Spanish with the workers there and the locals when I leave the resort to go shopping and meet people on the streets, I want to take courses and learn Spanish from the internet as well, so as I can communicate with them with no language barriers. I only go as far as How Are you, Hello, hope all is well and all that, as well as saying thank you, However I am learning more and more as I go to these Spanish-speaking countries which is something that makes me feel awesome.

I think the more languages you know the better it is. I know 3 languages now which is Armenian, English and a lot of French. I want to learn different dialects of Spanish as well, and Arabic, German and a few others, however I want to begin with Spanish. I love to learn new things all the time and discover the world and have a universal language.

Knowing different languages and about the world, geography, and everything is so important to me. I love being aware of the world, and what goes on, and where countries are, what they speak and everything. It is so intriguing, and interesting to know. I just do not get involved in my own country and everything, I like to broaden my horizons and know the world, study maps, and places, which is why when I go somewhere I learn it right away and I am so observant about the streets and everything. All it takes is one time for me, and everything else falls into place.

It is also good to know more languages because then when you are somewhere and you hear people talking, you can understand what they say. Hopefully it will not be bad and something terrible said about me or anything. I remember one time I was in a store and I was going through the aisles, then I started talking in my language, Armenian not knowing the people in the same aisle were also Armenian, so I spoke with my mom and asked her in my language if you want to get this and what were going to use it for, then automatically both of those people said, OH Your Armenian? We said yes, then we began speaking to each other, then we became instant friends. Thank goodness we did not say anything bad or whatever, that would have been so awkward and it would not have been a good thing, so were always careful.

That is why it is always a good idea to always speak good things or whatever else that is not about the people around you in your own languages, because you never know, they may know the same language, and be of the same race, and then if something bad is said, it will not be a good thing. I truly believe that learning languages is an incredible thing. Many people find employment as translators and then they find many new opportunities and make a lot of money, they travel and do so much. I really should have gotten into that a long time ago, but it’s not too late. 🙂

How many languages do you know?

The Road to Beautiful Armenia

Hello, My name is Talin Orfali and I am here to introduce to you my motherland, my culture, my heritage, The Beautiful Armenia and its rich history. Armenia is located in the South Caucasus, which is bordered by Georgia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. The Official language of Armenia, is Armenian, However you can hear some Russian being spoken, road signs, store signs in Russian, and of course you can hear English as well.

the year 301, Armenia is the first country in the world that has adopted Christianity. The Armenian Church goes back many centuries ago and was founded by 2 Apostles, Thaddeus and Bartholomew. St Gregory the Illuminator was our first Catholicos (Our Pope), of the Armenian Church. He was held in a Hole for 13 years at church named Khor Virap(Khor Virab), which is located close to Mount Ararat, then he had finally be rescued and escaped the Dungeon. Our First ever Church built is the Holy See of Etchmiadzin in the city of Etchmiadzin. It is the oldest Church in the World.

Armenia is mountainous, with rivers, forests, ravines, and it is located mostly at 1800 meters above sea level. The highest point is Aragats Mountain at (4092m), and the lowest is Debed Valley at (400m). We also have our square, Yerevan square, which is Hrabarag. Yerevan is our capital.

The road to beautiful Armenia is incredible, the beauty of our hills and valleys, The Statues, Monuments, Churches, from our great and rich history include, the David of Sassoun, Vartan Mamigonian, Akhtamar, Garni, Geghard, Noravank, St Mary’s, Haghardzin Monastery, Mesrob Mashtots who is the Inventor and creator of The Armenian Alphabet which we have 38 letters, The Madenataran which is our Library with Saint Mesrob Mashtot’s Statue with our Alphabet in the front, There is St. Hripsime, St Gregory the Illuminator Church, You may or may not have heard about our writer William Saroyan. We have many authors, and important figures in our history, past and present.

Some of our Armenian’s include, Atom Egoyan, Andre Agassi, Andrea Martin, Charles Aznavour, Ross Baghdasaryan, Cher, Arshile Gorky, Steve Jobs, Kirk Kirkorian, Aram Khatchaturian, Alex Manougian, David Nalbandian, Raffi, Seymour Skinner who is from the Simpsons, Zildjian Family, System of a Down, Eric Bogosian, Capital Cities group (one of them is Armenian) , the inventor of the MRI ( Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Machine is also Armenian named Dr. Raymond Damadian.

Armenia is just so rich in history, culture, and so much more. Armenia’s flag consists of 3 colours, Red, Blue, Orange. Our currency of money is Dram’s. Check your local Currency for the difference. There is just so much history, so much to know about Armenia, the history, and everything else. If you are more curious, You can definitely search online for more information on our culture, beliefs, religion and so much more.

I had the pleasure of visiting my motherland the Beautiful Armenia in 1999 for the first time. I kissed the ground of Armenia when I first got off the plane. It was a feeling that was beautiful and I was crying with happy tears. It was an amazing journey that really touched my heart. I had gone to Armenian Saturday school and everything I learned came to life, and knowing that and feeling the presence of our history makers, ancestors really made me feel so incredible, knowing that where I may have walked, that several hundred and thousands of years ago, there may have been those people walking the same very steps, as I have took. It was a feeling I will never forget. To this very day, I never forgot the moments when I was there. I will never forget when I took a swim in our lake Sevan, where we put delicious and juicy watermelon in the water so it stays cool where we can eat it by the water.  I had gone to Armenia with my fellow classmates, and couple of my cousins, teachers and volunteers after graduating Armenian School in grade 8. It was a trip I never forgot and I still remember it like it was yesterday.

After returning from Armenia, I began to volunteer and utilize my time in the Armenian community as much as possible. I was in the Armenian community centers here in Toronto and the country more than I was at home. I have just recently began to come back into it all and it feels amazing. It feels great to give back to my community as much as possible.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Armenia and make that part of your travel plans to see the world, it is a must. You can obtain a tourist visa at the Airport, and you do not need any vaccinations or anything. Follow up with your travel agent, tour operator to obtain more information and your preferences. Also if you have any other questions of Armenia, do not hesitate to contact me. I really hope you enjoyed the Road to beautiful Armenia.

I am so proud to be an Armenian.

Comfort Food At its Best

There are days where we have had a bad day, something emotional might have happened, personal issues, or just that your day may have been rough at school, work, in a social setting, a disappointment and sometimes you just feel like over-eating more than the norm, but on comfort food. Sometimes there does not have to be a bad day, some people indulge on comfort food whenever they like. I know they say in moderation, but sometimes you cannot contain yourself and control the amount that goes into your body, but once in a while it is perfectly okay to over-eat or to cheat days where you feel like you need to have carbs and a little bit of sugar in your body.

Sometimes in the spare of the moment, you feel like heading to your local convenient, grocery store, restaurant and just grabbing a bite to eat, or loading your shopping cart with all these snacks, comfort food, and goodies. Its alright to do it once in a while I guess right? :).

What gets your taste buds rolling? My Comfort food at its best includes a variety of things which keep me going when I have a rough day, or when I have had a good day too. It does not matter.

My list of Some of the Comfort food I enjoy include:

— Nutella Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
— Frito Lay — Lays Ketchup Chips
— Kit Kat —
— Hummus
— Pita Bread Chips with Labneh (Pressed Yogurt)
— Doritos Cheese Nacho Chips
— Cashews, Peanuts, Sunflower Seeds
— Crackers
— Pretzels
— M&M’s Peanut/Milk Chocolate
— Nerds
— Fast Food
— Pizza
— Pasta

There is a lot more to this, but those are my main things.
What about you?
Do you indulge in Comfort food often?
————————————————————

Getting Back to My Roots – The Armenian Community

After a long hiatus, I am heading back into the doors of my local Armenian community centres and churches. Time to return back and do more things and be active in the community. I have been so out of the loop lately. After going through many things of life in the last little while, I decided that it is time and its now. I need a new perspective on life and what matters to me the most. One of them is giving a helping hand and being there for my Armenian community. 2 more hands make a big difference and its something that makes me feel incredible. In the past I have accomplished, achieved and been through a lot with meeting so many people, then being globally well known in the Armenian Community is something so incredibly amazing and awesome. The ultimate was visiting my Motherland Armenia in 1999.

I have done so much for my Armenian community in the past and here are many to list…

– I have been in the committee for Jr. ACYOC
– I have been in the committee for Sr. ACYOC (Armenian Church youth Organization of Canada) for over 11 years.

– Assisted in St Sahag, St Mesrob Armenian Saturday School for 4 years. I have also attended from 1989-1999 which I graduated grade 8…
– Assisted in the Armenian Sunday School for 2 years.

– I have been in Nor Serount (New Youth) New Generation) Newsletter publication for 2 years

– Assisted with Communications/Social Media advertising for Holy Trinity Armenian Church Toronto for 2 and a half years

– Assisted with the Armenian Genocide commemoration in Ottawa for 3 years.

– for Bible Study sending out e-mails and being the communications director working with the priest and committee of Bible Study…

– Organized Armenian Camping trips of which one year I was the head of the team and brought over 70 people from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and other places to a Camping trip in Kingston, Ontario…

– Was part of Sassoun Dance Ensemble for a year.

– Went on a pilgrimage to Montreal in 2007 with the Armenian Church

– Participated in Many ACYOC Armenian Youth Sports weekends from 2003-2011

– Visited a Nursing home with Armenian Bible Study to spend time with the elderly.

– Assisted in Wrapping Presents for children with Armenian Bible Study at Childrens Aid Society

– Went to Vancouver BC for a sports weekend, then went to several meetings in Kingston, Montreal, and Ottawa…

More to come in the future. There is no stopping me now.

Time is Valuable – Courtesy and Punctuality Matter

In life, whether were invited to a restaurant gathering, parties, get togethers, catching a flight out,  even for school, work, a job interview, or anything that it could be, even a date, meeting up for coffee, punctuality and being early is very important. I know sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances it happens where people are late, or get caught up on something, the best thing to do is let others know who you will be meeting that you are running late. It is common courtesy and respectful. Your time is as valuable as the other peoples time. So it goes both ways.

Tips and Advice on how to manage time, to be early and punctual.

— Say you get invited to a restaurant for dinner at 7:30 and reservations have been made and you are there at 7 7:15, which is good to be early to respect other peoples time, then you see other arriving at 7:30 right on the dot, then you see late people arriving an hour later at 8:30. People are munching on Appetizers already because they waited long enough. — Respecting time is important and especially respecting other people in the process.

— Say you go to the airport and you arrive there at 3pm and your flight is at 6:30pm, which is great to be there 3 and a half hours before, but some people decide to show up at 4:30 or 5pm and flight is at 6:30, they think that they can be allowed boarding and they think that their luggage will make it to the plane. I do not think so. Respect the time given to be at the airport prior to departure and make it to your plane on time so others do not have to wait for that one or two people who decide to play around and not get to the gate on time.

— Never leave things to the last minute to get ready, to shower, to allow time to get ready after the shower. do it in advanced and start getting ready an hour or two before a party and also take into factor how long it will take to get to the venue from your place and get ready accordingly. You do not want to be one of those people who arrive to a party at 10 at night, when a party starts at 7. No matter what it is, its important to value time, manage time well, and do important things first then allocate enough time to do what is necessary. Be courteous no matter what it is.

— Job interviews, going to school and work on time is very important. Especially when you are going for a job interview. Be there about half an hour before or an hour before. get yourself prepared, and gather your thoughts. Always look at the time and get to places on time. It is very crucial to be punctual in everything in life.

— When you are invited to someones place at say 4pm on a Saturday, and agree to go, be there right at 4pm or about 10 minutes before. Every minute counts and they count on you to be on time. It is not nice to not show up at someones house at 6pm, without letting them know you will be late or something is going on that you cannot make it right at 4.

— A simple I cannot be there on time, or I have some things to take care of, or got pre-occupied with things should be mentioned to those waiting for you, they have every right to know. Time is of the essence. Calling, texting, e-mailing and always communicating is so imperative.

— Do not be a last minute RSVP person — If you get an invitation to a party, wedding, engagement, shower or other events 2-3 or 4 months in advanced, or just 2 months in advanced, and say the Card says shower is on July 31st, but your RSVP Reservation with the amount of persons in attendance must be due by July 10 or July 15th — but then have someone say they are attending on July 27th or 28th, just couple of days before is so wrong. You had all that time to decide. Do not just leave it as last minute. RESPOND as soon as possible —- It is money, and time were talking here. These people need to prepare and get numbers into the banquet halls or create the tables and how many plates to add… Be respectful. They did a great thing by including you, Help them in the process.
———————————————————————————————————————-

Some Quotes Found online in relative to this post:

“Arriving late is a way of saying that your own time is valuable than the time of the person who waited for you” — Karen Joy Fowler

“If you CANNOT be on time, Then be EARLY” — Unknown

“punctuality is the Art of Waiting for the careless people: – Unknown

“Punctuality – Be there an hour early, then a minute too late – Time is valuable” — unknown

“Punctuality is the soul of Business” — Thomas Chandler Haliburton

“Punctuality is the politeness of kings & the duty of gentle people EVERYWHERE” — Unknown

“Life is getting up early in the morning to live a couple of hours more” — Unknown

——————————————————————————————————————————–

Have you been a victim of a person who has stood you up? Have you been someone who is the one to always wait for others to be on time? Have people contacted you to say they will be late? Are you always the early one to arrive well in advanced because you have been taught to respect time and ones who have proper etiquette? It is always good to be like that.

—————————————————————————————————————————–

Do you have bad habits when it comes to procrastination? Do you have bad habits of being late because you had to do your hair and make-up? Do you have the bad habit to show up to a party 2-3 hours later knowing that everyone has already eaten, so you get the cold food after or they are going to have to make an extra batch for you to heat your food up, or have missed the beginning speeches or whatever it is? Change your bad habits, work on being courteous and on time. It saves a lot of problems with people depending on you.

Also do not say you will be there, and then not show up..

Punctuality is key to success in business, relationships, friendships which then builds trust and common decency. Best wishes and to better time management!

Health Is Wealth – The Most Important Thing Above All Else

Today, I really need to discuss an important thing in our lives and something that is in all of us whether its physical, medical, relationships, mental, emotional and everything that plays a role in our daily and nightly lives, and it is about health. Health is the most important thing in our lives. Lets face it, without it, we won’t be happy, and we won’t be wealthy in terms of it. It is more important than anything else. Material things come and go, but our health is number one out of everything else.

I know that this is a touchy subject to some people and if not all people, and I know that some people do not get lucky to live a fulfilling life because of some health issues that make people limited to do things and its so unfortunate on how people have to go through these terrible ordeals of dealing with debilitating diseases, cancers, illnesses, chronic problems, and things that happen in the human body. I know some things are not even in our control, things happen which is something unbelievable when we hear it from our doctors. Some make it and some do not unfortunately, but in the end our health is so important and what we do with our bodies is imperative to do our best to take care of ourselves, to eat better, to exercise, and to try as much as possible to prevent things from happening to our bodies. I know no matter how hard we try, sometimes things happen unfortunately, but prevention is key and we are all able to do anything we want. Sometimes for some cases its not possible, but nothing in the world is impossible, because remember I’M Possible. right?

When women get pregnant, and start a family some parents to be really concentrate on the gender of the baby and are so concerned about whether they will have a girl or a boy and the anticipation of it all is something that a lot of parents to be want to know, but in the end I do not think it should matter, as long as the baby and mother to be is healthy, and as long as the baby is well really should be something that is most important. I know the whole excitement of creating a nursery in the home, buying baby products, clothes and what colours to buy when you know you are having a baby, but those things should be the least of ones worry. A baby who is healthy and doing well, should be the best gift of all. All life is so precious no matter how they come into this world and that’s what should matter.

Health is so important at any age and unfortunately no matter what age you are, things happen to us.

Health is not just about physical and medical, health is also about how people deal with emotional, mental and relationship health. In this life we have so much stress, life has become so fast paced and there are not enough hours in the day sometimes to fulfill everything we need to do, and sometimes things happen out of the blue which we cannot get to, people are so busy with school, work, home and so many responsibilities pile up, commitments we must attend to and everyone has worries and everything, which can lead to mental, emotional stress and its a crazy thing we all go through. In this day in age, a lot of families do not have too much time together as people have to work a lot harder to upkeep, put a roof over their heads, and so much more. It puts a number on people and its an unfair world we live in these days, but I guess you gotta do what you gotta do right?

I myself had a health scare, but everything is good news and I am happy about it. Thank goodness and thank the Lord our God. Unfortunately some are not so lucky and do not make it which is crazy and I wish everyone well, a good clean bill of health and wishing everyone all the best with everything. You maybe battling and getting through each day, and playing it be ear and I wish everyone many blessings. God forbid anything happening to everyone. Lets put our health forward and concentrate on that the most and never lose hope. Always have faith, always live life positive. I know it is easier said than done, but positivity is the key to anything in life and no matter what life throws at us. All the best to all!

So take it easy and live life to the fullest.