Show Me How You Mo

I can't quite explain my fascination with Movember. I mean, part of it stems from my love of moustaches & facial hair in general. Let's face it - nothing gets me going like a good old fashioned beard.

But I also equate the men's health movement with feminism in that it empowers individuals to overcome obstacles set by stereotypes regarding their gender. In the same way that He For She encourages men to get on board with feminism, I think women need to get on board with men's health. So I especially love that Movember added a "Movement" component to their campaign this year for those of us who can't grow a moustache. Though sometimes I really wish I could have a beard of my own to stroke when I'm pondering life's mysteries. 

I think deep down, though it's a bit of a stretch, a large part of my obsession with Movember comes from missing my old man. His life wasn't taken by a health related incident, but rather a tragic accident. Who knows if it could've been prevented, but that's not the point. The point is, there are fathers, grandfathers, husbands, brothers, uncles, nephews, sons, and friends who DO have the option to take preventative measures to ensure they're here for the long haul. And if my old man had a choice, I know he'd have faught til the bitter end. 

So I guess my fight is to encourage those who are still around, to do everything they can to take care of their bodies and minds. 'Cause accidents happen, and sometimes theres nothing you can do about it, but don't let something that could have been prevented take you away from your friends and family. Do right by those who didn't have that opportunity to make a change. 

One person I admire with great intensity is Mr. Ron Telpner. I adore this man with everything that I am. He has a sensational spirit that has the ability to light up even the darkest of rooms. His creative ideas flow like a river and he inspires me to think and dream bigger than I ever imagined. In his interview with CBC, he talks about being able to remember exactly what he was wearing when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Well, Ron, I could never forget what I was wearing when I met you! That was a life-changing moment for me, in the best way! Here we are at the Movember Gala, Ron looking dapper as always.

If you couldn't quite tell, those are leather moustache pasties, and yes, I did make that dress myself. But enough about me and my dressmaking abilities. Needless to say, Ron and I got on famously. I told him I wanted to put on a fashion show for Movember - to get the ladies involved - and he loved the idea! Soon after, we met for a brainstorming session, and he encouraged me to think big. And there, Unbounded was born. Though we'd originally wanted to have the event this year, it soon became a much larger undertaking than I could have ever imagined and in order to preserve the integrity of the event, we've postponed it until 2016. So stay tuned for that!

This year, I won't be campainging for donations, but I do encourage you to donate to Ron's campaign. Every little bit goes a long way. Want to know where your money's going? Check out all the great things Movember's doing here. 

If Movember's goals aren't enough to get you to pull out your wallet, here are 3 reasons why I contributed to Ron's campaign.

1. He's a babe.

Whoa now. I don't mean that in an objectifying kind of way. 'Cause objectification is so not cool. I mean, he's got style. That extra bit of confidence you get when you know you're lookin' fly - sometimes that's the difference between a good day and a bad day. Feeling confident and loving yourself are synonymous. Everyone should be empowered to look and feel their best. That's how healthy people are built.

2. He's also a hero. 

By sharing his experience, others are being exposed to different treatment options, and as we all know - knowledge is power. Educate yourself by reading this Toronto Star article.

3. He'll show you his scars. 

With Ron, no subject is too taboo. TMI? Not part of Ron's vocabulary. He speaks openly about his journey, holding nothing back. Change begins with a conversation, and Ron is all about opening up that dialog.

So ladies and gents, if you wish to contribute to Ron's campaign - feel free to do so here.

To me, Movember is about more than growing a moustache, it's about changing the way we think about men and masculinity. I hope you join the movement, one way or another. 

Change in Plans

Originally, I had planned to check out the Met & MOMA museums to see a talk by a fashion blogger and a handful of Charlie Chaplin films. My endeavours the night before, however, led me to a bar playing his films as a backdrop to some tasty food & drink, so I decided to forego the museums and spend the day flying by the seat of my pants. I think that’s what I do best; I’m learning to follow my gut; I’m also learning how to use semicolons. #workinprogress. 

By the time I was ready to have breakfast, it was lunch time, so I thought it appropriate to type gluten-free into yelp and head to the nearest location. I ended up at Little Beet, and I wanted to eat everything. I took advantage of their seasonal menu and forego the gluten-free doughnut that was calling, nay - screaming my name from behind the glass display. But only because the place was packed to the max and I couldn’t figure out how the line worked. It makes me sound like an idiot but really, you order and pay at one end, and the doughnuts are on display at the very other end! How was I supposed to know those were there? Am I seriously going to wait in that line up again for a doughnut? Nope. Though I’ll probably dream about it’s sugary exterior layer for weeks to come. 

Next on the docket, The High Line. And no, it in fact did not involve lines of cocaine at two in the afternoon. It did however lead down to the freedom tower as well as the staten island ferry docks where it was decided that some of NYC’s mystery would be kept alive by admiring the statue of liberty from afar. 

I seem to have made a habit of this. Not doing the touristy stuff you’re “supposed” to. I think it’s mostly because I’d rather try to live like a local while experiencing some of the unique aspects of the city. It may also be because I’d like to leave a bit of the city to my imagination. The big tourist attractions come with high expectations. Expecting to see the most breathtaking view, eat the tastiest food, or if you’re right in Time’s Square - be entertained by the sexiest women. It’s often slightly underwhelming compared to the image you had in mind. Then again, maybe I just want an excuse to visit again! I mean, I feel like I only did 75% of the things I wanted to do, and now that I’ve been to NYC, there are even more things I want to see and do. Who am I kidding? It’s probably just cause I’m broke as fuck.