'Trying to see the funny side' is now on Facebook!

I have done it!

After blogging, editing and tweeting like a trooper. I have created a page for 'Trying to see the funny side' on Facebook. There will be lots more pictures, things to put a smile on your face and blog posts galore!

Want to join in the fun on Facebook? Click here.

Russia

The world's eyes are on Russia after they introduced a new law, which makes homosexuality illegal.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Illegal.

And no, you haven't tripped and fallen into a time travel machine, it is still 2013.

This isn't an issue for a government body to "step in" and dictate what is "OK" or socially acceptable regarding the gay community.

If my soon to be husband and I went to Russia in the morning and chose to hold hands around the streets of Moscow, St. Petersburg or anywhere else across 17,000 or so km that Russia spans across, we wouldn't be judged. If we were to share a kiss or an embrace, we wouldn't be scowled at or physically assaulted. Yet if I had been born male, or he a female, then this would be an issue. For this to even be an issue across the world in which we inhabite is nonsensical to me.

When we find someone we share a deep connection with, have strong feelings for or fall in love, the natural thing is to shout it out. Tell your friends! Tell your family! Let them share in your excitement!

Yet photographs of Pride parades across Russia have been posted online and have been met with opposition and violence. In a word this is vile. Not the fact that people wish to walk with their heads held high showing the world who they are, not at all. But the fact that they would be judged negatively for it.

Firstly, why is it ANYONE else's business about who you share a bed with? Or how people live their lives? If a same-sex couple wish to have a child or raise a family together, why is this still an issue? Studies have shown that children in same-sex parent homes grow up and develop into fully functioning human beings just fine. Links? Here and here, to name just two.

Similarly to women smashing through the glass ceiling, equality is still a dream. An achieveable dream?

I would like to think so.

But the public need to demand change. If I want to have a career, be a mother and try and strike a balance between that and family life then I think this should be an option. Whether or not I'll succeed is another matter, but the choice should be there. And that is what is key. Choice.

I dream of a world where there is no need for Pride parades or protest for same sex marriage. It should be a non-issue. We are all human beings. Who we choose to spend our time with, love and create a family with should be no one elses business. Although Russia has a rich culture and is steeped in history, I will personally not travel to Russia to support their infrastructure until they sort out their human rights issue regarding the LGBT community. I just cannot support a country where the rights of all citizens are not upheld.

Recently, the wonderfully eloquent Stephen Fry waded into the debate with an open letter to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and David Cameron. Haven't read it yet? Give it a read here. Similarly, Wentworth Miller declined an invite to a Russian film festival in an open letter where he came out as a gay man. There are now calls for a boycott of the Winter Olympics in 2014, which are due to be held in Russia. Only can time can tell if it will come into effect.

So why am I writing about this when my blog is all about 'Trying to see the funny side'? I can only hope that both I and modern society will have the last laugh when change finally happens. I hope that I can live in a world where people are educated to be accepting of others and spread that acceptance and understanding onto the next generation so that this is no longer an issue. I live in hope!

How to be a big kid

Sometimes grown up life can be stressful. There are bills, rent and mortgages to pay, work stress and lots more. It's at times like this that I feel envious of kid me, life was carefree back then!

But why leave the fun stuff behind you? Why not bring back some of that carefree nature to combat serious grown up stuff? Here are some of my personal recommendations on how to be a big kid:

1. Build a fort.

 Seriously. There is so much fun to be had in a fort!

2. Have a picnic (indoors if the weather isn't good)

3. Play kids games, like hopscotch, Snap or Tag.

There's a reason you had so much fun playing them as a child!

4. Laugh and giggle over silly things.

5. Have a pyjama day.

They're comfy, just try not to let them become outerwear. They're not that cosy!

6. Have a movie day.

Watch the films that you loved as a child, you'd be surprised how much you might still love them!

7. Play with Lego.

Why not use it to make something practical for grown up you?

8. Sing!

It doesn't matter if you can sing or not. You'll feel happier and carefree after it!

9. Friends Forever.

Do all of the above with your friends. Some of the happiest memories I  have involves silly times with friends. There's a reason for that.

Got any more tips on how to be a big kid? Comment below or come join me on Twitter!

Time

For the last few weeks I've been thinking a lot about time.

It doesn't seem like that long ago since I was living at home with my parents where my biggest decision was what colour to paint my bedroom wall. Just tonight Mr. Ree and I watched a movie which was made in 1998. In my mind that's not long ago. It's 15 years. FIFTEEN! I don't think my brain accepts that the noughties happened, instead it adopts the mentality of 1,2, skip a few, 99, 100!

My 'little' sister recently turned 21. Yet in my mind's eye, I still see her as a child who would begrudgingly watch Scooby Doo with me each morning, emerging from the foot of her duvet before announcing that the only new character was the ghost, ghoul or general baddy of the episode. As most kids do, we used to put on shows which our parents were made sit through and run around in our non-slip socks*. Yet the years have passed and she's now a grown up, with responsibilities and a bank account!

*Which begs the question, are there non-slip socks for adults? Grown ups can slip too yknow!

Safety first kids, with style!

As time passes I see friends getting married, having children and traveling around the world. But there is nothing that defines time passing more than when you see a kid you used to babysit getting a pint in the local pub. Whilst trying to maintain a cool demeanor, all you can think of is "I used to read you bedtime stories!"

With regard to timing, I often wonder about the 'Sliding Doors' scenario and think about how my life would have turned out if I had made different choices. Nothing major, but if I hadn't lived on campus during my first year in University, if I hadn't got the results I did in the Leaving Cert, if I had done a Gap year etc. If any of those variables were to change, chances are I wouldn't have met the man I'm going to marry in a mere four months (Eek!) Nor would I have the same network of friends, traveled to the countries I have or have the same memories and experiences.

One can't talk about time passing and timing without the notion of aging creeping into the discussion. It's an area I based my dissertation on as it's something that, as a woman, is discussed ad nauseum in so many different magazines, TV shows, films etc. There are so many lotions and potions that are supposed to hold back the sands of time, chemicals to inject into our faces to paralyse wrinkles and copious amounts of surgeries to pull the skin taut to maintain a more youthful appearance. But let's cut through the crap and deal with the issue of aging.

It happens. You are aging right now.

But let's scale back. Since when is aging necessarily a bad thing?

Aging is a natural biological progression. Aging is a sign that we have lived. Our bodies are vessels in which we are supposed to sail through life in. Surely it's only natural to get a bit of wear and tear as time passes. So for every stretchmark, scar, wrinkle and everything in between, live life to the full in your body. Embrace the aging process and get as much mileage out of your body as possible!

Crafty longings

For as long as I can remember, I've always had an appreciation for handmade goods. I really like the idea of someone putting their time and imagination into something and being able to bring it home.

With all of my enthusiasm, I figured I would be pretty good at crafting. I had the gist, surely that coupled with a giddy splurge on a rainbow of various wools and some ambitious hat and scarf combo ideas would be all I would need to get started.

I was wrong.

Bit of background - In primary school, we were taught to knit and sew. Not just the girls, boys too. Our teacher's logic was that anyone could be a fashion designer, seamstress or simply enjoy creating their own crafts. I remember being OK at knitting. What had faded from my memory was the ability to start knitting and how to finish or 'cast off'. The bit in the middle I was grand at.

So maybe knitting isn't for me. What about jewellery making? Maybe! Pottery? I once made a punk style ceramic cat, it now serves as an ugly jewellery stand. Maybe not. But then I see something like this and get all inspired again. I could definitely make zombie cups, or mug shaped hands or some sort of quirky door stop.

If anyone would like to treat me to this, you can get it from Etsy

You can only imagine my excitement when I came across a shop in Temple Bar called MayFly who specialise in handmade curiosities, including (but certainly not limited to!) handcrafted jewellery, felted teddies, repurposed crafts and lots of one off pieces.

I know where I'm heading on pay day. At least until I magically become accomplished at crafting. Until then, I'm perusing Pinterest, May Fly and Etsy. 

More shame for the Catholic Church

This week, a report on the Magdalene Laundries is due to be published. In recent years, there have been more and more scandals being unveiled which the Catholic church is responsible for. I was raised Catholic, and hit all my religious milestones. I was even an altar girl! As I got older, I was able to understand more, research and form my own opinions on things. One of the things that shook me to the core, and continues to do so is the Catholic church and the stronghold it has had in Ireland for decades.

I have a major problem with the Catholic church's view on women. Regarding abortion, it's a no-go area for the church. Life is sacred, and for them, life begins at conception. Personally, I just can't condone supporting a cause that values a foetus above a woman, wife, sister, aunt etc. The sexual abuse which those acting under the Vatican have committed. There are no female priests or Popes, the Vatican even went so far as to call "attempted ordination" of women one of the gravest crimes in ecclesiastical law." They then placed their foot firmly in their mouth by stating "The change put the "offence" on a par with the sex abuse of minors" That, in itself, speaks volumes about how out of touch they really are. I also think it's fucking rich of them to bring up sex abuse of minors as a case study to quell the notion of female clergy. Their messiah Jesus didn't seem to have any beef with women, although the only majorly positive emphasis is put on his mother Mary and martyred female saints, who chose God over all else. If that's not leading the proverbial lamb to slaughter, I'm not sure what is. 

Basically, this.

I want to make it clear that I'm not anti-Catholic in my views, many of my friends follow the Catholic teachings and are proud of their faith. My issue is with the Catholic church as an institution. For years there have been cover ups regarding sexual abuse, institutions for 'shamed' or 'fallen' women, physical and emotional abuse from those in power, it just goes on. Granted the Catholic church has done some good in the way of educating and feeding those in the third world, but for a price. Become Catholic and we'll help you. Food and education in exchange for a soul, if you believe such a thing exists.  

Neither my fiance or I are religious. We're getting married this year and will not be having a church wedding, there will be no mention of Catholic sentiment and that's how we want it. I don't go to mass, I do not plan to baptise any of my children and I certainly won't be giving the church any money on our wedding day. Although we're not religious, we live by a basic ethos of respecting people and expecting the same respect back. If you're an asshole to me, I won't turn the other cheek and forgive you. I'll think you're an asshole and probably think less of you, because let's face it. That's human nature. 

Magdalene laundry

Today TheJournal published an article about the daughter of a woman who had been incarcerated by the Magdalene laundries. On Twitter, the hashtag #JusticeforMagdalenesNOW is trending, which I'm glad to see. This is one of the most recent shameful scandals that the Catholic church has to answer to. People should talk about this and ensure that this is something that is never forgotten. 

On this blog, I try to put a positive slant on things, so where, in all this negativity and shame can there be a positive note? The good thing that I have taken from this, is that change is happening. More people are becoming informed, they're making informed decisions and not following an ethos mindlessly. Catholic numbers are in decline, less people are attending mass. The Pope has turned to Twitter in an attempt to reconnect! People are speaking out about their experiences in the church and discussion is happening. Through the use of technology, stories and experiences are being shared and recorded so that hopefully, future generations will not witness such atrocities from a body of power in their lifetime. 

Ringing in the New Year with Wedding bells!

Happy New Year everyone! Hopefully the hangovers are starting to ebb away and hopes and plans are being made for 2013.

This year should be an exciting one chez Ree as this is the year we are to be married. We've been slowly but surely putting money aside but this year is when everything comes to a head. I like to write about positive things on my blog or try to put a positive spin on things, but as most people know, wedding planning can be stressful.

Must remember to remain calm..

With this in mind, I decided to start a separate blog for the wedding related ups and downs. Let's face it, stress and positivity don't tend to hang out in the same crowds. It's called Lisa Ree plans a Wedding. Check it out and let me know what you think. Any feedback would be welcome!