Is Canada the New American Dream?

I am often asked what it was like growing up and being from Canada? Most of my American friends are curious about how friendly Canadians are, want to know if the school system is the same (yes) and how paying higher taxes are put towards everyone’s health care? But my favorite question has to be… did I know Drake?

Believe it or not… yes he did live near, but sadly my singing career hasn’t taken off in the same way.

                                                                  

You can usually tell the difference between our countries by the Canadian smiling and apologizing and knowing about ketchup chips & smarties. The sarcastic humor, proud to learn French & ice skating to school.

But how does Canada view America now? Canada, our cold friend, seems to be happy to put their arms around our shoulders, but not fully committing to being our parent.

As we changed Presidents a lot of American citizens crashed the Canadian Immigration website, but maybe Canada is on to something with a happier, but much much colder way of life. All I know is the second I get onto an Air Canada plane the apologizing and kindess comes flying down the aisle.

Has Canada taken over the American Dream? Last weekend I saw this segment on CNN’s Fareed Zakaria and overall Canada does sound like they are doing pretty well. Higher percentage of college degrees, higher rate of life expectancy and the sixth happiest place in the world.

Have you ever asked yourself what would our society be like without citizens going bankrupt due to health care and education costs? That’s basically how to have a caring country that watches out for one another. J’adore California and the stunning beauty of the Bay Area. We are nestled in magical views, gorgeous backdrops and nearby wine country, but what would it be like if we married the two countries? Do you think Canada is the new American Dream?

10 Things You Don’t Know About Me

As we get to know each other better, I wanted to share with you 10 things that you didn’t know about me. Well at least this won’t be published online for all to read…oh come on...your turn next.

1) Out of all the places in the world that I’ve been lucky to travel to, I would live in Italy or in Brazil. Both places had a warmth, love for family, light, beauty, I had food crushes and each place is filled with dance and music. (Argentina is a close second.)

2) I developed a love for writing/performing at a young age when we created speeches for school. I loved writing out of the box and then performing the speech in front of my classmates.

3) My favorite street has to be Union Street in San Francisco. Still to this day, I find my Zen walking up and down that street with window shopping, sitting in a secret garden, watching the dogs walk by and smelling the soaps at Lush.

4) I love staying in hotel rooms. Getting free slippers, sitting in robes and room service. Do you like taking a break from your day to day?

5)  I am in awe of stand-up comedians. They are so brave to stand up there and put it all out on stage.

6) T.V. remotes and I are not friends. We try to be, but I think we should always get a universal one. I just can’t remember how to work the darn thing. Is there a course I can take lovely?

7) Can you keep a secret? I love documentaries, independent films, museums, but I am a sucker for the Bravo channel. Please help me and don't tell!

8) As the sun sets over Hawaii, you can find me eating a rainbow flavored shaved ice with vanilla ice cream at the bottom. Now... that’s an entire bowl of happiness.

9) I didn’t learn how to cook until my thirties because cooking was something you ordered or just heated up. After taking some cooking lessons, I developed a love for it. Early on, my poor honey had to deal with some frozen in the middle (I am so embarrassed) meals.

10) If I could wear Lululemon pants every day...my life would be complete. Belt it, wear them to a work interview, yoga it up, but never intense exercise. I wouldn’t want to ruin them!

The Name: Bella Lights

Over the last year, my young one has started to bring “imaginary” friends along with us. Their names are Twigs, Romie, Omie and Bella. They come everywhere with us, but on the days the young one goes to school, she makes Twigs stay home with me. Boy, I have had to make a lot of imaginary matzah ball chicken soup! All of her “friends” get into mischief except sweet Bella. Bella listens to her parents, goes to school and sleeps through the night. Don’t tell anyone, but Bella is my favorite.

Also, the name “Bella” makes me smile because Honey and I go to a brunch place that has the most amazing eggs benedict, acai bowls and mimosas, and the owner greets me on Sunday mornings by saying, “Buongiorno Bella.”

So, we have Bella…

Now for lights…I love white lights on patios, in backyards, sprinkled in trees and throughout Main Street in small towns. They bring a magic to the dusk and evening. My favorite weddings are outside; the trees covered in white lights and flowers. I tried to continue this feeling at home by hanging white lights over our kitchen sink. Did this help everyone clean the dishes more? Sadly, it did not.

So, Bella Lights was born. And why do I blog and guest post… simply put, I love creating a space where I can pour my heart, feed my soul, discover different ways to write, and connect with points of view… I blog to share my own life knowledge which includes living and visiting different countries, marrying into another culture, being a social worker in L.A. and then changing careers to marketing/ advertising, moving to San Francisco by myself, being in the blogging community early on and writing for the other sites.

What’s makes me who I am? I try to appreciate every day, have a positive outlook, connect within and give back. I can give to those around me and feed my soul with Bella Lights, but at the same time going outside of the box and discovering. Imagine Twigs, Romie, Omie and Bella along for the ride. How do you feed your soul lovely?

Inspirational Weekend Quote

This inspirational weekend quote speaks volumes to me because this Zen tea bag message reminds me to think of others before myself. When I try to uplift others, I also feel uplifted. It's just like the joy I feel when I give someone a present. It means the world to me to see the receiver of the gift happy and thought of.  Can we make this weekends gift to be kinder to each other too?

Remember what it's like when someone lifts you up with a phone call or a smile? It makes my day to know I was thought of. How you treat others will come back to you. Don't you agree? So let's take this another step further and lets go and uplift someone today. Try to appreciate how much you cared for another. Now go and put the kettle on and make yourself a cup off tea. I'll wait... Do you find it easier to be positive or negative bella?