The Five Thieves: Ego

Dear journal

After daddy took all my stuff, I called him and he told me I could have all my stuff back if I got a job. Of course I got a job, I’m awesome! I work at Aritzia in Pacific Centre and I’m so good at my job. I wear all my in season Aritizia clothes and I’m practically a mannequin when I’m there. I’m so good at displaying how to properly wear their clothes! So many people buy what I’m wearing!

I’m the best at folding! And I’m the best at saying hi to customers. And I’m also the best at telling people what not to wear. I’m going to be running the store by the end of the year because I have so many good ideas. I can’t wait!

xoxo

Bimbo Barbie

Vaisakhi Day!

It is a day that marks both the New Year and the anniversary of the establishment of Khalsa in 1699. The Sikh community in BC celebrate by hosting parades in Vancouver and Surrey. This year, the Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade occurred on April 13, 2013 and the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade and Celebration occurred on April 20, 2013. The parade in Vancouver had about 50,000 people spectators and the parade in Surrey had 80,000 to 200,000. The parade is Surrey is considered one of the largest Vaisakhi parades outside of India. Everyone, Sikh or non-Sikh, are invited to celebrate Vaisakhi Day. The celebrations in Vancouver and Surrey also offer free food that is prepared by local residents and businesses, live music and rides. Make sure to mark your calendars for Vaisakhi Day on April 14, 2014, and be on the lookout for information on the parades.

The Five Thieves: Worldly Attachment

Dear journal :(

I went to use my American Express Platinum at the Apple Store in Pacific Centre and my card was declined! I so wanted the iPad Mini to go with my new iPad, but I couldn’t get it. I tried all my other cards, but they all declined too! I got home to find that my new Porsche Cayman was gone from my garage with a note from my daddy saying to call him. I called, and he had my stuff taken away to pay for my bills because I’m “spending too much”. I mean come on, I went through a breakup, what does he expect?

I went into my house and my LG 3D TV, my Nintendo Wii, my Bowflex… all my stuff was gone! All of these notes were taped to where everything used to be. Every one of them said “call dad”. What does he think I’m going to be able to do without all my stuff? Doesn’t he realize that all my stuff makes me happy??

:(

…

Bimbo Barbie

(veggie) Food for Thought

I wasn’t really a fan of veggie dishes until I met my vegetarian friend. She can’t eat meat (not even eggs) and seafood not because she doesn’t like how they taste, but because her religion forbids eating non-veggie foods. I always think that vegetarian dishes taste bland, do not have different textures and not that sophisticated, unless made by those chefs you see in Food Network! Boy, was I so wrong. A score of spices (half of those I couldn’t even pronounce and I was never introduced before) mixed with one main ingredient – yes, that makes a big difference (think potato turned into a veggie samosa and plain naan dipped into dal and other sauces)! Although my food journey with my Sikh friend started backwards as I got to know deserts first before the main veggie dishes, I was glad I have expanded my knowledge of vegetarian dishes. To that, I think that her being a Sikh has played its part very well.

I had the chance to witness a Sikh wedding ceremony, Anand Karaj, this summer. I was excited not only because it’ll be my first time to see one and I get to wear Sikh’s traditional dress – Salvar kameez – minus the Kirpan (coz only baptized Sikhs carry that!) but also I was told that since it will be held in the Gurdwara, ONLY vegetarian dishes will be served. Okay, I didn’t come just for the food, but I want to see the wedding. Family and friends gathered to witness the ceremony, but it was not that long compared to our traditional Catholic wedding ceremony. The thing that stood most to me was when the bride and groom were doing the four wedding rounds. As the bride and groom were making the four wedding rounds, the four hymns of Laav were sung. Each of the four Laav has a special significance and describes the marriage of the soul-bride to the divine husband. All throughout the wedding, my Sikh friend nicely explained to us - very curious and slightly incognito party crashers - what was happening.

Sikh Wedding (I wasn't able to take a picture, but the one where we went to looked like this)

Yes, I became good friends not only with my Sikh friend, but also with eggplants, spinach, potatoes, chickpeas, lentils whom I never bother to give a second look before (my pescetarian sister always asks me to try her veggie food. Now, she knows who to ask when she can’t find her food). Except for the extra five pounds showing on the scale, I was happy that my learning how to eat veggie foods has brought the curiosity out of me – to learn about another religion, Sikhism.

Vancouver Sangat

Vancouver Sangat, a Sikh community charity group, has started a food service program for the needy in downtown Vancouver (Main & Hastings) since December of last year. The next food serve date will be on December 15.

The program not only has set an example by encouraging others to get involved – promoting cultural diversity - , but also coincides with one of Sikhism’s basic beliefs. “Sikhism teaches service to others. The primary task in life should be to help the poor, needy, and oppressed. The Sikhs have a long heritage of speaking out against injustice and for standing up for the defenseless.”

As the Sikh population increases, I believe there will be more events and programs providing service to others in the future.

The Five Thieves: Greed

Dear journal

I’ve been feeling so bummed lately. That whole thing with Hutch put me in such a bad mood, so I went shopping!! :) I hit up Alberni for my Tiffany fix and then swung over to Escada for their fall 2013 collection. Dessna dress in plum, pure virgin wool… just a slightly different hue than last year’s totally justifies the purchase. I had lunch at Coast, then a quick cab ride to Robson. On the way, I may have stopped at Coach on Burrard for the new Madison gathered twist leather satchel in vermillion. It will match perfectly with the Escada plum! The sea foam green from this summer is so passé.

On Robson, I made my monthly visit to Aritzia for my Citizens of Humanity jeans. I haven’t worn the last pair I bought, but I know I need another! I saw the Mackage leather jacket that Marina wore to Bar None. It’s ugly as all hell (biker-chick much?) so I bought it so I could wear it next weekend. I’ll show her how to pull off leather with silver zippers and chains!

xoxo

Bimbo Barbie

The Five Thieves: Anger

Dear journal :(

I can’t believe what bad luck I have! I found Hutch’s Mercedes outside Marina’s place on Broadway. That lying bastard! He called, broke off our date, because his mom was at VGH getting liposuction and she needed a ride home to her “villa” in Shaughnessy. I got so mad seeing his car there; he knows how much I hate her ever since she ruined my 3^rd 25^th birthday party (I mean, really, who turns 25 just once??) at Joe Fortes. She walked into the private seating area like she owned the place, demanded a private table, and said I was lucky she made an appearance. I hate her, I hate her, I hate her!... What was he even doing there??

I don’t know what came over me, but I took my rolled-up Lululemon yoga mat and smashed the windows in his car. Namaste to that!

:(

Bimbo Barbie